Reports that the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) will reconsider its decision not to investigate referrals from the Robodebt Royal Commission, after finding that Commissioner Paul Brereton failed to deal with a conflict of interest, is disappointing to say the least.
The NACC was supposed to be the epitome of upholding integrity in Australia, but today’s revelation shows that it has let the community down. NACC Commissioner Paul Brereton is an eminent person of high standing in the legal community, but in the circumstances I don’t doubt he would be reflecting on the inquiry’s findings into the Robodebt investigation, and quite possibly his own future.
Ultimately, the substantial issue is that there is justice for the countless victims of Robodebt. To that end, today’s news is good news that at least some of the people alleged to be responsible for the tragic fiasco are more likely to be held to account. Too many people were hurt by this scheme, some even taking their own lives, for this matter to be consigned to history.
Today’s finding against the NACC also inevitably raises the question of whether or not it is set up and operating effectively. It would be wise for the Federal Attorney-General to launch his own investigation into the matter with an open mind to improving the NACC.
I was among the first to raise the alarm about Robodebt as early as 2016 with the Ombudsman and relevant ministers, after hearing from many distressed constituents who had received frightening and unfounded debt notices. My office and staff heard countless shocking stories and helped countless victims of this monstrous injustice from one end of the country to the other.