THE SQUIZ

The long-awaited findings of the Robodebt Royal Commission will be handed to the Governor-General David Hurley today. The report’s been overseen by Commissioner Catherine Holmes, Queensland’s former Chief Justice, and is based on more than 1 million tendered documents and hundreds of hours of evidence given, including during 9 weeks of public hearings. It’s been described (paywall) as “the most consequential report into top-tier cabinet government in a generation” because those under the microscope are senior Coalition figures and top bureaucrats, and their actions – and inaction – could see them whacked with consequences. 

WHY IS IT A BIG DEAL?

Because we’re going to find out who was responsible for the illegal debt recovery scheme that’s been at the centre of one of the biggest cases of public maladministration in years. To refresh your memory, Robodebt was the automated debt recovery scheme rolled out between 2015-19 that targeted about 380,000 welfare recipients. They were issued debt notices for Centrelink overpayments – many wrongly – through a method of income averaging, which the government later admitted was unlawful. During its run, the scheme recovered $750 million, and it was been linked to several cases of suicide*. As a result, the Morrison Government made a $1.8 billion settlement with victims – more than the $1.7 billion the scheme was intended to recover. Government Services Minister Bill Shorten – who led the push for the Royal Commission in opposition – called it “a freight train of misery”. 

SO WHAT COMES NEXT?

That’s quite a question, and we’ll find out more at 11am (AEST) today… Reports last night said we might not get the full picture today with a “sealed section” kept private to protect any future “civil action and criminal prosecution”. Former portfolio ministers Scott Morrison, Marise Payne and Stuart Robert (who has resigned from parliament and there’a a by-election for his Queensland seat of Fadden next Saturday) will be eagerly awaiting the findings… There’s speculation the pollies/public servants involved in the scandal could be investigated for breaches of the public service code of conduct. And Holmes could also ask the National Anti-Corruption Commission too look over particularly matters too. Stay tuned…

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