Senator Jamal Slocombe has called for stronger protections for workers in the growing gig economy, arguing that both private employers and government agencies have engaged in unfair labour practices that leave workers struggling to make ends meet.

Delayed wages and missing National Insurance contributions are leaving many gig workers unable to meet basic living costs, he said, prompting his call for tighter enforcement and broader protections under the Protection of Wages Bill, now before the Senate.

The independent lawmaker backed the bill, which he said was fundamentally about safeguarding vulnerable employees from exploitation.