The Westminster Tradition
The Westminster Tradition
Unpacking lessons for the public service, starting with the Robodebt Royal Commission. In 2019, after three years, Robodebt was found to be unlawful. The Royal Commission process found it was also immoral and wildly inaccurate. Ultimately the Australian Government was forced to pay $1.8bn back to more than 470,000 Australians. In this podcast we dive deep into public policy failures like Robodebt and the British Post Office scandal - how they start, why they're hard to stop, and the public service lessons we shouldn't forget.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 1, 2023 • 25min
5. How *not* to stop something - DSS, the Columbia effect, and the first missed opportunity to stop Robodebt
The podcast discusses the process of how the Robodebt policy passed through the DSS, the impact of language and decision-making, the importance of subject matter experts, and the challenges of distillation and hierarchical culture.
Jul 1, 2023 • 23min
6. When you discover you've been had - DSS, faux collegiality and the second missed opportunity to stop Robodebt
This podcast explores the unlawful nature of the Robodet program and the lack of oversight by government agencies. It dives into the challenges women face in meetings and the cover-up by the DSS when they discover the use of averaging ease. The podcast also highlights the frustration with poor leadership and governance in addressing the issue.
Jul 1, 2023 • 29min
8. Advice is just advice - what the lawyers knew about Robodebt
Lawyers in the Commonwealth Government knew Robodebt was illegal, but took no action. Senior lawyers and staff ignored concerns and compiled talking points. The importance of considering the bigger picture and lack of comprehensive reporting are discussed. DHS lawyers failed to search for important information. Convincing people and overcoming vested interests are challenging. Presenting evidence to the cabinet is feared. Messy situations must be confronted.
Jul 1, 2023 • 27min
4. Culture on the frontlines - Centrelink and Robodebt
Danielle, an expert in the culture and operations at Centrelink, discusses the pressures faced by frontline workers at Centrelink, including the rise of employee engagement surveys, the use of temporary labor hire, and the decline of unions. They also explore the limitations and flaws in the tools and guided procedures used by staff, the importance of actual behavioral shifts for culture change, and the role of unions in advocating for employees affected by Robodebt.
4 snips
Jul 1, 2023 • 28min
2. Bright Ideas - the origin of Robodebt
This podcast explores the genesis of Robodebt, the challenges faced in implementing reforms, the use of ATO data to flag discrepancies, and the origins of Robodebt, including the motivations and political factors involved.
Jul 1, 2023 • 27min
3. Culture from the top - DHS and Robodebt
Exploring the culture of DHS and its role in Robodebt, including the influence of Secretary Kathryn Campbell, the challenges of improving workplace culture, and the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment for employees.
Jul 1, 2023 • 26min
1. What is Robodebt? An explainer
An explainer on Robodebt, its impact, flaws in the system, and the significance of the Robodebt Royal Commission. The hosts highlight the incorrect debt notices issued and the negative consequences, including mental illness and suicide. They emphasize the importance of learning from the commission's findings and improving public administration.
