ACOSS backs Robodebt Royal Commission

Responding to Labor’s announcement it will hold a Royal Commission into Robodebt, ACOSS CEO, Dr Cassandra Goldie said: “The Robodebt affair was not just a maladministration scandal, it was a human tragedy that resulted in people taking their lives. “A Royal Commission is appropriate and proportionate. We need to properly probe the decisions and processes that led to this woeful situation and make sure nothing remotely similar ever happens again. “But we also need to probe the underlying thinking. “There is a very stark contrast between the rules for pursuing people on income support for overpayments and debts compared with the rules for corporate recipients claiming Jobkeeper. A different morality seems to apply for those with deep pockets. “ACOSS will be an enthusiastic participant if this Royal Commission happens. This is an important opportunity to amplify the struggles of people who have not been heard. “ACOSS urges all parties and candidates to pledge the same commitment. Whoever forms the next government, we must deliver proper accountability for this unprecedented abuse of government power, and ensure it never happens again. “As governments increasingly rely on automated decision-making and technology to deliver life sustaining human services, often to people at high risk including those on income support, employment services and the NDIS, we strongly welcome this commitment from the ALP and urge all parties and candidates to deliver the same.”