7am Exclusive: Ten dead after welfare glitch ignored by government
Feb 25, 2025
Rick Morton, a senior reporter for The Saturday Paper known for his investigative work on welfare issues, delves into a harrowing glitch in Australia's welfare system. The government ignored this error for three years, leading to the tragic deaths of ten individuals due to lost support. Morton uncovers the failure of officials to act in the interest of vulnerable people, raising crucial questions about accountability. He highlights the systemic issues stemming from privatization, revealing the severe impact of bureaucracy on those in need.
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Escalating Glitch Numbers
- The Department of Employment admitted to a technical glitch affecting 1,000 welfare recipients' payments.
- This number was later revised upwards multiple times, prompting a Freedom of Information request from activist Jeremy Poxen.
Complex Compliance System
- Workforce Australia's Targeted Compliance Framework, introduced in 2018, is an automated system managing welfare recipients' obligations.
- Its complexity led to glitches and penalties, impacting those struggling with various life challenges.
Delayed Action and Prioritization
- The department knew about the glitch since 2020 but delayed action for three years and even created new problems in attempted fixes.
- They prioritized the financial viability of private employment service providers over directly addressing the issue.