Full Story Newsroom edition: the dangers of automated governance
Dec 4, 2025
Lenore Taylor, Editor of The Guardian Australia, discusses the alarming trend of automation in public services, particularly regarding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Joined by Mike Ticher, Head of Newsroom, and Deputy Editor Patrick Keneally, they explore the dangers of reducing human oversight in complex cases. Advocates warn this 'nightmare scenario' could lead to misjudged assessments. They also highlight the potential risks of automated systems based on past failures like RoboDebt, while debating how to balance efficiency with human empathy.
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Automated Plans Replace Final Human Judgment
- The NDIS plan tool will generate participant plans via a computer with no human oversight at the end of the process.
- Even successful appeals feed new information back into the machine, keeping decisions automated.
Templated Funding Risks Losing Individual Fit
- The move shifts the NDIS from individualized support toward templated funding, reducing flexibility for complex cases.
- Advocates warn this approach contradicts the scheme's original person-centred intent.
Cost Targets Drive Automation Choices
- The government aims to slow participant growth to reduce NDIS costs rather than target service delivery issues.
- Targets like cutting growth from 12% to 5–6% lack clear criteria and fuel fears of inappropriate exclusions.