Robodebt Findings: Former Secretaries Held Accountable

Robodebt Scheme Under Investigation

The robodebt scheme has faced intense scrutiny following the release of findings by Public Service Commissioner Gordon de Brouwer. The report highlights the actions of former heads of the Department of Human Services, Kathryn Campbell and Renee Leon, who breached their obligations as public servants a staggering 25 times.

Accountability in Public Service

Dr. de Brouwer emphasized the importance of accountability among public servants, stating, "The public needs to know that the most senior of public servants... are accountable for their actions." The report notes that a total of 12 public servants, including Campbell and Leon, broke the APS Code of Conduct on 97 occasions. While sanctions could not be imposed directly on the secretaries, their names have been released to ensure public accountability.

Key Findings Against Kathryn Campbell

• Breaches of Code: Campbell breached the code 12 times across six allegations.
• Failure to Act: She reportedly neglected to address serious concerns regarding the robodebt scheme.
• Misleading Advice: The commission did not substantiate claims that Campbell misled the cabinet.

Key Findings Against Renee Leon

• Repeated Breaches: Leon breached the code 13 times, related to four allegations.
• Misrepresentation: She misrepresented legal advice to the Commonwealth Ombudsman.
• Delayed Action: Leon failed to act promptly in seeking legal advice in 2019.

The Broader Implications

The report not only highlights failures at the top but also ignites questions about the effectiveness of existing accountability mechanisms in the public service. There are ongoing inquiries into other public servants involved in the investigation. The robodebt saga continues to unfold, with investigations revealing systemic issues within the public systems designed to serve the community.