We're refreshing the Sherpa Contractor Agreement from 25 Aug 2026. This article explains what's changing, what it means for you, and what you need to do.
What are the key updates in the agreement?
This update keeps the agreement current with changes across the delivery industry, platform operations, privacy and security requirements and the way Sherpa communicates important job and account information.
| Plain language summary of the updates | |
| Your status as a Contractor | The agreement confirms that you are an independent contractor, not an employee. You can choose whether to accept or decline jobs, and you can provide services to other businesses |
| Accepting jobs | Each job you accept through the Sherpa Platform is treated as a separate engagement under the agreement. Sherpa does not guarantee a minimum number of jobs, and you are not required to accept any particular job. |
| Fees and payments | The fee for a job will be recorded in the Sherpa Platform. Sherpa pays weekly for services provided in the previous week. If certain legal minimum standards apply, Sherpa will calculate any required earnings-floor top-up. |
| Job and account communications | Sherpa may contact you by email, SMS, phone, push notification, in-app message or other electronic communication about your jobs, your account, payments, safety, compliance, training, support and platform updates. These are operational messages, not marketing messages. |
| Marketing messages | You can opt out of marketing messages. However, opting out of marketing does not stop important operational messages about your jobs, your account, payments, safety, compliance or the platform. |
| Privacy and customer information | Customer names, addresses and phone numbers must only be used to complete deliveries. You must not save, screenshot, share or use customer information for any other purpose. Suspected privacy or data issues must be reported to Sherpa as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. |
| Vehicle, insurance and equipment | You are responsible for providing and maintaining your own vehicle, equipment and insurance. This includes appropriate vehicle insurance for commercial use, and where applicable, personal accident and sickness insurance. |
| Platform access and safety | Sherpa may manage, suspend or restrict platform access where there are safety, compliance, performance, security, conduct or platform-integrity concerns. In many cases, this may involve notice, a chance to respond and review by a Sherpa team member. Serious or urgent issues may be dealt with immediately. |
| Unauthorised technology and misuse | The agreement includes clearer wording about misuse of the Sherpa Platform, unauthorised technology, bots, automation tools, cyber-safety issues, data breaches and other conduct that may affect platform security or integrity. |
| Legal and industry updates | The agreement has been updated to reflect changes in laws that may apply to digital labour platforms and some contractors, including minimum standards orders where they apply. |
| Electronic acceptance and notices | You can accept the agreement electronically, including through the app or platform. Sherpa may also send notices electronically, including by email, SMS, push notification, in-app message or the platform. |
| If you do not accept | You do not have to accept the updated agreement. However, accepting the updated agreement will be required before you can continue accepting new jobs through Sherpa from the effective date. |
Why are we updating the Contractor Agreement now?
From time to time, we review our terms to make sure they remain clear, current and aligned with how Sherpa operates. This update reflects changes across the delivery industry, Sherpa’s platform operations, privacy and security requirements, and laws that may apply to digital labour platforms and some contractors.
When does the updated agreement take effect?
You’ll need to review and accept the updated agreement before 25 Aug 2026 to continue accepting jobs through Sherpa.
What does this mean for me? Do I need to accept the updated agreement if I accepted the previous one?
Yes. You will need to review and accept the updated Contractor Agreement. Accepting the previous agreement does not automatically mean you have accepted the new terms.
How do I review and accept the updated agreement?
If you have an approved Sherpa driver account, you can review and accept the updated Contractor Agreement through either the Sherpa Driver app or the web portal.
Through web portal
- Sign in to your Sherpa account at https://deliveries.sherpa.net.au/couriers/sign_in
- Tap on the link in the banner about the updated Contractor Agreement
- Read the Agreement and follow the prompts to accept it.
Through the mobile app:
- Open your Sherpa Driver app
- Head to Account → tap on your Profile.
- Tap on the link to the Updated Contractor Agreement
- Read the agreement and follow the prompts to accept it.
When do I need to accept it?
You must accept the updated agreement by 25 Aug 2026 to continue accepting new jobs through Sherpa.
Can I keep using the app if I have not accepted it yet?
You will still be able to log in to review and accept the updated agreement. From 25 Aug 2026, accepting the updated agreement will be required before you can accept new jobs through Sherpa.
Does this change mean I am an employee?
No. The updated agreement continues to confirm that drivers use Sherpa as independent contractors. Some laws may apply to digital labour platforms and some contractors, but this does not automatically make you an employee.
Can I still choose which jobs I accept?
Yes. You can continue to choose whether to accept or decline individual jobs offered through the Sherpa Platform.
Can I still work for other platforms or businesses?
Yes. The updated agreement confirms that you are not required to work exclusively with Sherpa and can provide services to other businesses.
What happens if I do not accept the updated agreement?
You do not have to accept the updated agreement. However, from 25 Aug 2026, you will need to accept it before you can accept new jobs through Sherpa. You can still log in after 25 Aug 2026 to review and accept the agreement.
If you do not wish to continue delivering with Sherpa, you can delete your Sherpa driver account. You can learn more about the account deletion process here.
Can I accept the agreement after the effective date?
Yes. You can log in and accept the updated agreement after 25 Aug 2026. You will not be able to accept new jobs until you have accepted the new agreement.
Once you accept the updated agreement, your access to jobs will be restored immediately.