NACC robo-probe continues
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An Inspector's investigation into NACC's Robodebt decision is heating up.
The Inspector of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is advancing a formal inquiry into why the NACC chose not to investigate referrals from the Robodebt Royal Commission.
This inquiry, under section 184(1)(e) of the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022, follows mounting public scrutiny.
From June to August 2024, the NACC provided requested documents. On 3 September 2024, the Inspector asked for additional submissions on specific issues. The NACC has pledged to deliver these by 21 October 2024.
At the heart of the investigation are six Robodebt-related referrals that were dismissed by the NACC, raising questions about potential maladministration.
The Royal Commission, which exposed major flaws in the Robodebt welfare recovery scheme, recommended these cases for further investigation.
Inspector Gail Furness acknowledged the public outcry, saying; “Many of those complaints allege corrupt conduct or maladministration by the NACC in making that decision”.
The Robodebt scheme, which falsely accused welfare recipients of owing debts, led to a $1.8 billion class action settlement and significant fallout.
Despite this, no public servants were sacked.
The referrals aimed to address potential misconduct by key officials involved in the scheme’s rollout.
Furness confirmed that a report will be issued at the conclusion of the inquiry, as stipulated by the NACC Act, which will assess the NACC’s decision-making process.
As public interest intensifies, Gordon Legal, the firm behind the Robodebt class action, is relitigating parts of the settlement based on new evidence from the Royal Commission.