ACOSS has welcomed the announcement of a settlement for victims of Robodebt but said there remain outstanding actions needed to deliver full justice for the devastating impacts of the scheme.
"Today's announcement of a $548 million settlement for victims of Robodebt is further recognition of the devastating impacts of the unlawful and harmful Robodebt Scheme designed by the former Coalition Government affecting about 400,000 people," said ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie.
"What it does not do, however, is deliver full justice for people who were hounded by their government for unlawful debts that they did not owe.
"The National Anti-Corruption Commission is still investigating six individuals referred to it by the Robodebt Royal Commission. This follows the recommendation by the NACC Inspector that the NACC reviews its decision to not investigate. Following this review, it subsequently decided to investigate.
"Ten years on from when Robodebt commenced, no one responsible for its design, implementation and continuation has been publicly held accountable in a way that delivers justice for its victims and their families.
"This is truly astounding. There is clear public value in ensuring that justice is carried out for those responsible for Robodebt.
"It is shameful that those who are responsible for Robodebt and who ignored its harm have been subject to very little accountability, if any.
"Robodebt victims and their families deserve so much better."
ACOSS repeated its call for the Federal Government implement the remaining
recommendations of the Robodebt Royal Commission.
"We urge the Federal Government to implement all 57 recommendations from the Robodebt Royal Commission, including reinstating the statute of limitations on debt recovery and its recommendation to amend cabinet confidentiality provisions in the Freedom of Information Act.
"There is every likelihood that if our FOI laws permitted greater transparency, Robodebt may have been stopped much sooner. We hold concerns about the government's legislation to amend the FOI Act, which would see more documents considered to be cabinet documents. This will inevitably reduce transparency," said Dr Goldie.
