How was Robodebt allowed to happen? We're about to find out
Robodebt was ruled a massive public administration failure and a shameful chapter in Australia's history by the Federal Court. A royal commission is about to make a ruling on who was responsible.
"Robodebt ran from 2015 to 2019, lobbing false debt notices at 443,000 welfare recipients."
And the ombudsman knew. And PwC knew. But nothing was done.
Everyone in any part of government remotely related to this was fully to blame.
I would argue it grew out of an irrational hatred of the idea of Australia having a strong welfare state. And is also wrapped up in a hatred of the poor and anyone else who relies on welfare support to survive.
"It is most likely the weight of this [final report] is going to be felt against the bureaucrats, the public servants.
"It is quite clear they have fallen short of their duty of providing frank and fearless advice and meeting professional standards."
APS hasn’t been allowed to provide frank and fearless advice since Howard gutted it.
How? Because a bunch of good old boys needed a payday.
Wait who got a payday out of it?
The final report — to be handed to the governor-general on Friday
At 5pm when the journos and staffers are at the pub, I assume. It's always a good idea to get ahead of the really unflattering reports.