How political egos led us to the shame of robo-debt
Tony Wright’s Saturday Column
Public service

How political egos led us to the shame of robo-debt

There was a time when senior public servants were called permanent secretaries. Then a series of political leaders sought to bend them to their will.

  • byTony Wright

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‘Prosperity gospel writ large’:Is the robo-debt scandal the Morrison government’s ‘enduring legacy’?

‘Prosperity gospel writ large’:Is the robo-debt scandal the Morrison government’s ‘enduring legacy’?

After the findings of the robo-debt report,Herald readers ask if the Coalition government ever showed concern for the disadvantaged in society.

Cost of living should trump Labor’s robo-debt campaign in Fadden byelection:Dutton
Updated
Byelection

Cost of living should trump Labor’s robo-debt campaign in Fadden byelection:Dutton

In the second of what could be three byelections this year,Peter Dutton says the cost of living should be a bigger issue than Stuart Robert’s involvement in robo-debt.

  • byAngus Thompson andLisa Visentin
‘What the public is entitled to know’:Former judge slams robo-debt sealed section

‘What the public is entitled to know’:Former judge slams robo-debt sealed section

Former NSW Supreme Court judge Anthony Whealy says the names of those referred for prosecution over the robo-debt royal commission findings should be revealed.

  • byAngus Thompson
It’s simple. Let’s make buildings fit for purpose:human habitation

It’s simple. Let’s make buildings fit for purpose:human habitation

It’s a government’s job to ensure,by regulation and certification,that buildings are completed to an acceptable standard.

Another robo-debt disaster’s inevitable if we give AI too much autonomy
Opinion
AI

Another robo-debt disaster’s inevitable if we give AI too much autonomy

AI is only as good as the algorithm that operates it,the data that trains it and the law that underpins it. If these are ineffective,as with robo-debt,then calamity can ensue.

  • byRachael Falk
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Robo-debt:Another cynical cycle in our dirty laundry politics
Opinion
Opinion

Robo-debt:Another cynical cycle in our dirty laundry politics

Our politicians have become very adept at holding their predecessors to account. But that has not improved standards of political behaviour.

  • byRoss Gittins
Former ministers could face legal action in fresh robo-debt compensation bid

Former ministers could face legal action in fresh robo-debt compensation bid

Gordon Legal says the weight of the evidence revealed by the royal commission enabled the firm to seek further redress beyond the initial $1.8 billion settlement.

  • byAngus Thompson
Robo-debt victims could sue Coalition ministers:Shorten

Robo-debt victims could sue Coalition ministers:Shorten

The Albanese government has set up a taskforce to review the conduct of public servants mentioned in the royal commission’s report.

  • byAngus Thompson andMike Foley
What comes next? The possible criminal and civil fallout from robo-debt

What comes next? The possible criminal and civil fallout from robo-debt

Commonwealth crimes of abuse of public office and giving false or misleading evidence to a royal commission may be among the offences considered.

  • byMichaela Whitbourn
Robo-debt’s gone but for many,Centrelink is still a tyrant
Opinion
Opinion

Robo-debt’s gone but for many,Centrelink is still a tyrant

Centrelink’s practices point to a persecutory culture that ultimately acts as a disincentive for people to seek income support to which they are entitled.

  • byKatherine Boyle