Robo-debt royal commission
Morrison lashes out at robo-debt ‘political lynching’, rejects royal commission findings
The former prime minister has described the commission’s findings against him as “disproportionate, wrong, unsubstantiated and contradicted by clear evidence”.
- by James Massola
Latest
Editorial
For subscribers
Why all the government secrecy on Kathryn Campbell’s demise?
Obfuscation over the former public servant’s fate raises questions about what the public will be told about others shamed by the robo-debt royal commission.
- The Herald's View
Robo-debt bureaucrat quits her $900k-a-year defence job
Kathryn Campbell’s resignation, effective last Friday, comes after damning findings were made against her by the robo-debt royal commission.
- by Angus Thompson
Still no transparency in robo-debt debacle, but we can see through smoke and mirrors
It is apparent that senior public servants are so grossly overpaid that they aren’t going to rock the boat with “frank and honest” advice to their ministerial masters who earn far less.
Editorial
For subscribers
Ultimate responsibility for robo-debt lies with executive government
The Royal Commission into the Robo-debt Scheme has claimed its first bureaucratic scalp, but the scythe is surely swinging for politicians involved in the iniquitous and unlawful program to recoup Centrelink debts.
- The Herald's View
Updated
Public service
Crossbench demands answers on robo-debt bureaucrat’s $900K AUKUS parachute
The robo-debt royal commission made a range of scathing findings against Kathryn Campbell, who ran the Department of Human Services when the welfare debt recovery scheme was introduced.
- by Angus Thompson
Opinion
Five Minutes with Fitz
Why every adult should get $500 a week from the government, no questions asked
A Universal Basic Income would create a more equitable nation, reduce tax evasion and lead to smaller government. Not convinced? You haven’t met Everald Compton.
- by Peter FitzSimons
Opinion
Political leadership
Our political swamp will not be cleansed by the disgracing of Morrison
Politicians on all sides, public servants and even the press gallery will be making a grievous mistake if they expect Morrison’s eventual departure will stop the rot.
- by George Megalogenis
Lowe times over, count on woman to save the day
Surprise, surprise – a female given the job when things are in a mess.
Tony Wright’s Saturday Column
Public service
How political egos led us to the shame of robo-debt
There was a time when senior public servants were called permanent secretaries. Then a series of political leaders sought to bend them to their will.
- by Tony Wright
‘Prosperity gospel writ large’: Is the robo-debt scandal the Morrison government’s ‘enduring legacy’?
After the findings of the robo-debt report, Herald readers ask if the Coalition government ever showed concern for the disadvantaged in society.