PM announces royal commission into ‘robodebt’ scheme
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced there will be a royal commission into the previous government’s controversial automated debt system, dubbed ‘robodebt’.
The scheme used an automated program to match tax and Centrelink data for people in order to raise any debts they may have had with Centrelink.
Unfortunately, the system issued many debt notices for money the customer didn’t owe, causing widespread distress.
It was ruled unlawful by the federal court in 2019.
“The royal commission will examine the establishment of the scheme, who was responsible for it and why it was necessary,” Mr Albanese said.
“How concerns were handled, how the scheme affected individuals and the financial costs to government, and measures to prevent this ever happening again.
A royal commission into robodebt was a major election commitment by the Albanese government.
Did you receive any debt notices under the robodebt scheme?
Wonder who the Social Security Minister was when the scheme was introduced ?