The number of people in Australia doing work through digital platforms was just 0.96% of the employed population in 2022-2023, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported. The ABS defines digital platform work as that is “… performed through an online tool or an app that matches supply and demand for employment, most often based on an algorithm.”

Digital work is also considered a “side hustle” rather than a job, according to the ABS. More than half, 53%, took this work in addition to their main job. And the most popular tasks in 2022-2023 were food delivery, 35%, and personal transport, 27%.

The ABS’ study also found that the majority of digital platform workers, 79%, were not undertaking any part-time or full-time study. This was lower than the broader population at 89%.

Other findings in the report included:

The main motivation to undertake digital platform work was to supplement income, cited by 54%. Flexible working hours was the next most popular motivate at 13% for males and 7% for females.

Half had been undertaking this work for less than one year. However, 33% had been involved with digital work for two or more years.