Giant canary sings of public-service lawyers

By Verona Burgess

November 24, 2023

Robodebt may be the giant canary in coal mine of the wider APS. (Zennie/Private Media)

Legal jokes aside, the exposure of jaw-dropping deficiencies in the professional conduct of government lawyers and senior staff with legal qualifications are among the most jarring of the findings from the robodebt royal commission.

The bottom line is that had the original legal advice not been fudged, lied about, ignored and in some cases simply not noticed, robodebt could never have happened.

That is, unless a hostile senate had agreed to amend the Social Services Act, which is so deeply unlikely as to be almost laughable.

Subscribe for unlimited access

A Mandarin Premium subscription gives you access to all articles, webinars, discounted early-bird event invites and more.

INTRO OFFER - 40% OFF

ANNUAL $440$264

Save 40% on premium access for new accounts.
Just $22/month for your first year.
Renews at $440/year until cancelled.

MONTHLY $44

Unlimited access for just $10 per week. Cancel anytime.

About the author

Any feedback or news tips? Here’s where to contact the relevant team.

The Mandarin Premium

Try Mandarin Premium for $4 a week.

Access all the in-depth briefings. New subscribers only.

Get Premium Today