Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #RoboDebtRC
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Don’t forget Commissioner Catherine Holmes praising the Twitter community at the #RobodebtRC for doing the media’s work.
Whilst it’s left to us again, this time to repel the bias & support women, let’s not assume we are completely irrelevant. Holmes proved it. We proved it.
Whilst it’s left to us again, this time to repel the bias & support women, let’s not assume we are completely irrelevant. Holmes proved it. We proved it.
I’ll try bring you the latest from the Senate in particular with Thorpe, & any other updates today. But note I’m in low-reception areas so unlikely of any videos till late.
Let’s try have a fun day but we’ll see how we go. Don’t forget these debates can be impacting for many❤️
Let’s try have a fun day but we’ll see how we go. Don’t forget these debates can be impacting for many❤️
David Van has taken to 2GB Radio to defend himself, saying how shattered he is.
He says he is “absolutely not” a perpetrator, and has never harassed or touched Lidia other than if he may have shaken her hand.
Also Labor’s Don Farrell says the govt is providing support to Lidia
He says he is “absolutely not” a perpetrator, and has never harassed or touched Lidia other than if he may have shaken her hand.
Also Labor’s Don Farrell says the govt is providing support to Lidia
I have only just now seen among the #robodebtrc docs what's IMO a smoking gun linking the Poniatowska/Keating decisions to the origin of #robodebt. In March 2015, Withnell arranged for a letter to be signed by Campbell addressed to Bromwich J, then the Dir of the CDPP, ...
... spelling out their concerns. A concern was that CDPP policy had changes so that the CDPP now refused to prosecute on the basis of 'short-form briefs' from DHS, whereas they used to accept such briefs. (The CDPP refusal was based on the fact those briefs were insufficient ...
... at law following the Poniatowska and Keating decisions.) The letter shows that Withnell was intent to ensure that the CDPP continued to prosecute and even provided a reminder that the CDPP's funding was 'tied to the volume of briefs received per referring agency.' 
the first Speers metric for the night is 'a more normal Liberal margin'.
the first Karvelas misspeak for teh night is saying there was a huge swing to Alan Tudge. She meant to Mary Doyle. Easy mistake to make when only one of the two is actually standing tonight.
"people can actually name her" - political journalist on Mary Doyle after calling the swing to Mary Doyle last year "Alan Tudge".
I held my twitter break waiting for the OAIC's explanation. Day I leave? Get this:
Australian Information Commissioner was 'not minded' to appear at #RobodebtRC as it "might prejudice the perceived independence of her office [and its functioning]" robodebt.royalcommission.gov.au/system/files/e…
Australian Information Commissioner was 'not minded' to appear at #RobodebtRC as it "might prejudice the perceived independence of her office [and its functioning]" robodebt.royalcommission.gov.au/system/files/e…
This from the office who:
did an 'assessment' of PAYG data matching, which failed to evaluate the lawfulness or fairness averaging beyond a gentle 'risk'
Failed to press for S-G legals on media disclosures.
Being accountable would have helped not hurt the office. #RobodebtRC
did an 'assessment' of PAYG data matching, which failed to evaluate the lawfulness or fairness averaging beyond a gentle 'risk'
Failed to press for S-G legals on media disclosures.
Being accountable would have helped not hurt the office. #RobodebtRC
People saw the flak the ATO took on privacy issues. Everything that was said to them can be said to OAIC. A regulator that got an appropriation to assess the system.
OAIC is afraid of adverse perceptions? They're already here. #RobodebtRC See 3.19-3.29 oaic.gov.au/privacy/privac…
OAIC is afraid of adverse perceptions? They're already here. #RobodebtRC See 3.19-3.29 oaic.gov.au/privacy/privac…
In 2020, voices within Services Australia were highlighting the importance of fully remediating files, not just refunds. here's a document capturing common secondary injustices for people robodebt-ed #RobodebtRC robodebt.royalcommission.gov.au/system/files/e…
The NPP closing robodebt brags about its "cost effective" refund model and identifies non-remediation as a risk. I would like to know if the significant (and heavily gendered) financial impacts identified have ever been remediated #RobodebtRC robodebt.royalcommission.gov.au/system/files/e…
The NPP predicted the Ombudsman would haul them over the coals about not fixing up the secondary impacts of averaging. The 2021 report of the Ombudsman makes no mention of these issues. So let's get some firm answers will we? The remediation exhibit was posted today
As flagged, I'm stepping back from this platform for a little bit. I'll come back for a bit in June, week or so before the #robodebtRC report release. I've a raft of catch up to do, to ensure I'm still on my feet in academia in like 5 years. A time to reset and reassess overall
Please do still reach out by email if you want to check something nerdy. I've come to sense it's that background/checking/deep dive stuff I really enjoy. I think academics can be most useful as a support not 'impactful' talking heads. I'm reflecting on that bundle of stuff.
There have been times I've upset people with my emphasis, what I didn't say, what I chose to say or attribute. I'm sorry about that. I've learnt I've hungover stuff from the last 5 years, copping the 'scholactivist' criticism, delayed outputs, tiredness etc. Time to reflect
Did you catch the latest @CroakeyNews e-bulletin with a focus on unhealthy policies?
If not, no worries, here's a thread on this week's readings.
You can also subscribe to receive the e-bulletin every Thursday morning
croakey.org/subscribe-to-c…
If not, no worries, here's a thread on this week's readings.
You can also subscribe to receive the e-bulletin every Thursday morning
croakey.org/subscribe-to-c…
Don't miss this article on #RoboDebtRC in which this week's quotable comes from:
"The Robodebt debacle was the very opposite of healthy public policy – it was extraordinarily unhealthy public policy" – @baumfran
#AusPol
croakey.org/robodebt-expos…
"The Robodebt debacle was the very opposite of healthy public policy – it was extraordinarily unhealthy public policy" – @baumfran
#AusPol
croakey.org/robodebt-expos…
Also with comments from
@SharonFrielOz – "disempowerment is incredibly bad for people’s health"
@joanne_flavel – "#Robodebt was the antithesis of the purpose of income support"
#auspol
croakey.org/robodebt-expos…
@SharonFrielOz – "disempowerment is incredibly bad for people’s health"
@joanne_flavel – "#Robodebt was the antithesis of the purpose of income support"
#auspol
croakey.org/robodebt-expos…
As we know there are two theories of what happened for robodebt to start. DSS went along or DSS were had. While we await the final report, I note this May 2016 email chain 2nd hand reporting DSS reactions to the 1st AAT saying 'get payslips'. #RobodebtRC robodebt.royalcommission.gov.au/system/files/e…
I love that DHS' primary concern to the emergence of AAT's questioning robodebt is 'ummm...this may be a lot of work and my unit isn't going to do it, yours is'. This is the now infamous March 2016 ppt that every DSS witness got hit with robodebt.royalcommission.gov.au/system/files/e… #RobodebtRc
Tweets like these ensure I, @chrisrudge and others don't lose track of exhibits. They're all called things "re: fw" "new version brief" etc. I 've lost one that refers to three existing legal advices on how you don't need to remediate errors if there's no appeal? #RobodebtRC
Stuart Robert's submission #robodebtRC places the 2020 audit of last resort averaging at the core of his defence (para 180 onward). Services Australia did not table it in its responses. Methodology for it not explored in hearings robodebt.royalcommission.gov.au/publications/e…
I'm still hanging out here, before I step back as I've flagged. To be honest, I'm being bloody minded about wanting to do a thread on the OAIC submission. They should have matched the Ombo, and appeared, and I'm all ears for how they see their contributions #robodebtRC
On pre 2015, we have this 2010 email trail involving a service desk request on last resort averaging. Policy teams only, no legals [clearly]. AROs resist last resort. Gainsayed by policy team, frontline go with last resort #RobodebtRC robodebt.royalcommission.gov.au/system/files/e…
Completely agree. Matthew Thompson gave evidence that Centrelink are still pursuing his Robodebt.
There's all kinds of rank, unlawful behaviour going on, you don't have to wait for a Royal Commission report to do the right thing and suspend the compliance system.
#RobodebtRC
There's all kinds of rank, unlawful behaviour going on, you don't have to wait for a Royal Commission report to do the right thing and suspend the compliance system.
#RobodebtRC
@billshortenmp I can explain this to you with memes if you're finding it difficult to comprehend.
#RobodebtRC
#RobodebtRC
The Letters Patent is primarily focused on reforms to the mechanics of Departments and the APS to stop this from happening again.
It's up to this Labor Government to stop the harm that's happening now. Or those reforms will be suffocated by more torment and scandal.
#RobodebtRC
It's up to this Labor Government to stop the harm that's happening now. Or those reforms will be suffocated by more torment and scandal.
#RobodebtRC
Today is the last day of hearings for the #robodebtrc. The first witness is former Centrelink employee Taren Preston.
Will tweet where I can!
Preston, a social worker at Centrelink, says it was standard when people came in to discuss a robodebt that she conducted a "suicide risk assessment"
The Final Day.
Here's the stream to watch the final day of public hearings for the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme:
#RobodebtRC
robodebt.royalcommission.gov.au
#RobodebtRC
robodebt.royalcommission.gov.au
The witness list for today is not quite up to date, as only 2 of the 5 witnesses are listed.
Taren Preston's the first witness. She was a social worker at Centrelink during Robodebt. Went to the agency as a graduate.
Counsel Assisting Salwa Marsh questioning her.
#RobodebtRC
Taren Preston's the first witness. She was a social worker at Centrelink during Robodebt. Went to the agency as a graduate.
Counsel Assisting Salwa Marsh questioning her.
#RobodebtRC
#RobodebtRC Final Day.
It's goodness that changes minds and the world.
Again and again, we saw what a social security system should be about from the people who suffered. I'm thinking again of Sandra Bevan's description of her job. That's what matters ultimately.
It's goodness that changes minds and the world.
Again and again, we saw what a social security system should be about from the people who suffered. I'm thinking again of Sandra Bevan's description of her job. That's what matters ultimately.
I expect people will be saying thanks to Greggery and Holmes a fair bit today.
I accept us demented, livetweeting loraxes have literally coined a cult of Greggery- (now including merch)
But let's be more subtle. If you watched this, read the next tweet in a Holmes Whisper...
I accept us demented, livetweeting loraxes have literally coined a cult of Greggery- (now including merch)
But let's be more subtle. If you watched this, read the next tweet in a Holmes Whisper...
Jess...
Jess...
Please pass our thanks to every person working for the Commission behind the scenes, who we never even saw.
Thank them for taking short term contracts to do this mad sprint.
May everyone involved carry a bit of it with them, and go onto great things #RobodebtRC
Jess...
Please pass our thanks to every person working for the Commission behind the scenes, who we never even saw.
Thank them for taking short term contracts to do this mad sprint.
May everyone involved carry a bit of it with them, and go onto great things #RobodebtRC
this was the exact period leading up to calling the 2016 election when the prime minister and treasurer gave *different dates for the actual federal budget* because Morrison was sweating on #Robodebt numbers to give journalists - who obliged - for the Liberal Party campaign.
the role of the press gallery in enabling #Robodebt cannot be overstated. Every day for years they uncritically amplified whatever Morrison said, repeated Liberal Party economic management lies, and openly admired his endless campaigning.
this is who and what corporate media campaigned for in 2016, 2019, and AGAIN 10 months ago, in May 2022.
NOW they express *astonishment* at the details of his lethal multi billion dollar program being painstakingly evidenced at #RobodebtRC
imatthewsblog.com/2022/05/20/vot…
NOW they express *astonishment* at the details of his lethal multi billion dollar program being painstakingly evidenced at #RobodebtRC
imatthewsblog.com/2022/05/20/vot…
Here's the stream. Angus Scott KC explaining a former Ombudsman, McMillan, has produced a statement for them this week:
#RobodebtRC
robodebt.royalcommission.gov.au
#RobodebtRC
robodebt.royalcommission.gov.au
Ombudsman time.
Richard Glenn is first. He is affirmed.
The acting Ombo who Louise McLeod says she couldn't convince to do anything about Robodebt.
He has a law degree. Let's see if he knows how to use it.
#RobodebtRC
Richard Glenn is first. He is affirmed.
The acting Ombo who Louise McLeod says she couldn't convince to do anything about Robodebt.
He has a law degree. Let's see if he knows how to use it.
#RobodebtRC
Block 4 Day 14 #RobodebtRC Unconvinced.
For painful hours yesterday Ms Macleod spoke to the work of a conscientious investigation team. A report that never was. Why did the office not back her? Answers today.
Initial concept design for the Ombudsman, 1979:
For painful hours yesterday Ms Macleod spoke to the work of a conscientious investigation team. A report that never was. Why did the office not back her? Answers today.
Initial concept design for the Ombudsman, 1979:
That was gutsy evidence yesterday, carrying that emotion, having wanted it different then having to present it. The best proper officer so far
We have our reasons in some ways: time, lack of resource for aat referral, Commonwealth v Commonwealth. Over to Mr Glenn. #RobodebtRC
We have our reasons in some ways: time, lack of resource for aat referral, Commonwealth v Commonwealth. Over to Mr Glenn. #RobodebtRC
‘It was a robust exchange between senior officials’ was how Mr Manthorpe described the 2019 decision to yank the generic comments on legality late last night.
The outcome suggests one side was robust, the other distinctly spongey #RobodebtRC
The outcome suggests one side was robust, the other distinctly spongey #RobodebtRC
Former ombudsman's office official Louise Macleod appears genuinely angry and shocked when shown some of the legal material DHS didn't provide to the watchdog during its 2017 investigation. Includes an email a DHS lawyer sent saying income averaging was a no go #robodebtrc
Macleod: "To be honest, it annoys the hell out of me... That demonstrates ... they weren't participating in good faith."
My god.
"I could drive a truck through the holes in this advice." - Ombudsman's official's view on the department's robodebt legal advice.
Holmes says that's a sound sentiment. Scott laughs. Macleod very uneasy
"I could drive a truck through the holes in this advice." - Ombudsman's official's view on the department's robodebt legal advice.
Holmes says that's a sound sentiment. Scott laughs. Macleod very uneasy
Here is the stream for today.
We're currently hearing from Dr Elea Wurth of Deloitte, who have been commissioned by the Commission to produce a technical study of the Robodebt Scheme.
#RobodebtRC
robodebt.royalcommission.gov.au
We're currently hearing from Dr Elea Wurth of Deloitte, who have been commissioned by the Commission to produce a technical study of the Robodebt Scheme.
#RobodebtRC
robodebt.royalcommission.gov.au
It's probably going to be more useful to actually have a look at those, rather than my livetweeting the entire transcript. Process maps, etc. I will convey anything of interest.
They are now going through the Deloitte report.
#RobodebtRC
They are now going through the Deloitte report.
#RobodebtRC
#RobodebtRC Block 4 Day 13. Capture.
"... business rules in the OCI that support the debt calculation are comprehensive and accurately capture the legislative and policy requirements"
The Ombudsman. 2017. [2.28]
How far we have come from this milk carton ad from 1982.
"... business rules in the OCI that support the debt calculation are comprehensive and accurately capture the legislative and policy requirements"
The Ombudsman. 2017. [2.28]
How far we have come from this milk carton ad from 1982.
It's likely my tweets are going to devolve into 'cranky guy on a park bench' today. The exhibits haven't improved my mood any, cos it isn't just *that* report. It's the issues of interest request, the quarterly liaison meetings. So. many. chances. to. do. something. #RobodebtRC
Best hope are direct exchanges around the drivers here. In the week FOI Commish resigned (tiny media coverage), let's stare at the reality of oversight work. The tied funding, the death of own inquiry, the 'we influence agencies', the 'we are not a policy agency' #robodebtRC
The Royal Commission is now in session. Here is the stream for today:
#RobodebtRC
robodebt.royalcommission.gov.au
#RobodebtRC
robodebt.royalcommission.gov.au
Housekeeping: Angus Scott KC says Allyson Essex will not be required for further questioning. She wasn't excused, but now she is, on the basis of Mr. Philp's testimony. That doesn't sound great for her...
#RobodebtRC
#RobodebtRC
#RobodebtRC Block 4 Day 12. “At some points it was going to cost us more to act on that information…The cost of doing that has now decreased." Those were Kathryn Campbell’s first public words about robodebt on June 2 2015. Today we will get her final ones.
The quick insertion of Barry Jackson into the witness list suggests we will be testing the post Xmas 2017 handover. Everything had been spooling up for AGS legal advice, then in true APS form… a printed email, an absence of recollection, and…nothing. #RobodebtRC
Across four years we find sprawling inconsistencies, missing paper, rampant callous indifference. But one absolute iron clad consistency:
Don’t trouble trouble until trouble troubles you.
Ms Campbell’s been described as trouble. She gets her right of reply today.
#RobodebtRC
Don’t trouble trouble until trouble troubles you.
Ms Campbell’s been described as trouble. She gets her right of reply today.
#RobodebtRC
Reminder - before I get cranky tomorrow - International Women's Day is a UN initiative and this year theme is:
"Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future".
The site that comes up & often quoted by corporates is NOT who you should heed.
"Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future".
The site that comes up & often quoted by corporates is NOT who you should heed.
If you see International Women's Day #IWD2023 stuff and it is using a hashtag about "embracing equality" it is from the spiv corporate hijack site, not the official UN site, please don't reward them ☹️
#CrackingTheCode
unwomen.org.au/get-involved/i…
#CrackingTheCode
unwomen.org.au/get-involved/i…
And... we wake up to people yet again using the Corporate spiv site that Google ranks higher than the UN site for #IWD2023 🙁
This from 2020 explains the Corporate spiv site - again I beg you, don't reward it 🙏smh.com.au/lifestyle/life…
This from 2020 explains the Corporate spiv site - again I beg you, don't reward it 🙏smh.com.au/lifestyle/life…
[A Thread] My observations on @TurnbullMalcolm at the #RobodebtRC: Turnbull as PM proved to be completely spineless as Party leader and National leader. He was probably Australia's most disappointing PM. Because he lacked courage. #auspol 1/5
Leaders need courage. They need to do the right thing, even if it is not the popular thing, and that takes courage. Ask @DanielAndrewsMP - he has courage in spades and used every bit of it during the pandemic. #RobodebtRC #auspol 2/5
The first real public glimpse of Turnbull's invertebrate nature was seen when he stood on stage with @HonTonyAbbott announcing the destruction of the #FTTP #NBN. His body language said he knew this was wrong, but had to follow orders. #RobodebtRC #auspol 3/5
ABC TV news channel has crossed love to Turnbull at the #RobodebtRC
Turnbull starts by talking about himself as prime minister and having a dig at “others” who sought to run the government out of the PMO.
we hear that Arthur Sinodinos and Drew Clarke - cabinet Secretary and COS - are very distinguished and experienced. No connection from this to why the unlawful program being investigated was allowed to continue so long on their watch.
