A 22-year-old Indian student, Akshay Deepak Doultani, has been identified as the Uber Eats rider killed in a crash in Sydney last weekend. Doultani was studying a master's degree in finance at Macquarie University on a scholarship, hoping to provide his family in India with a brighter future.
The fatal collision occurred on Saturday 22 July at the intersection of Blaxland Road and Epping Road in Epping, north-west Sydney. Doultani was riding a scooter for Uber Eats when he was hit by an SUV. He was treated by paramedics but later died at Royal North Shore Hospital.
Labor Senator Tony Sheldon informed parliament of Doultani's death on Monday, with permission from the family. Sheldon highlighted that 12 food delivery riders have died since 2017, though underreporting is common. He criticised the lack of basic employment rights for gig workers, including no minimum wage or workers' compensation.
The federal government is considering reforms to the gig economy to set minimum pay and conditions, and to give the Fair Work Commission power to regulate 'employee-like workers'. However, business groups and gig economy companies are lobbying against the changes, arguing they would increase costs and lead to job losses.
Uber Eats expressed deep sadness over the incident, stating they are in contact with the family and providing support. The company noted that delivery people in Australia are covered by a support package including insurance for accidents while delivering. Police and Safework NSW are investigating the death.
Transport Workers' Union national secretary Michael Kaine called for urgent gig worker reforms, saying all workers deserve fair rights and safe conditions. 'Our thoughts are with Akshay's family here in Australia and back home in India at this devastating time,' he said.
