The Code of Conduct Inquiry Taskforce final report into public service executives responsible for the illegal Robodebt scheme has detailed shocking failures from those at the very top.
The Taskforce found 12 people to have breached the Code of Conduct on 97 occasions, including former Agency Heads Kathryn Campbell and Renee Leon.
From the outset, CPSU members working on the frontline raised the alarm about the scheme – both with senior Agency management and in public.
Members spoke out about the errors in the methodology being used to raise debts, and the devastation they were causing to the community – and their concerns were ignored.
Today’s report confirms what CPSU members already knew – that those responsible “created and allowed a culture that prevented issues about the Scheme from being properly considered”.
Quotes attributable to CPSU ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Secretary Melissa Donnelly:
“Today’s final report from the APSC Code of Conduct Inquiry Taskforce details shocking failures from those at the very top of the Robodebt scheme.
“CPSU members working on the frontline saw the terrible consequences of Robodebt firsthand.
“Frontline workers immediately understood the flaws in the scheme and knew the havoc it would wreak on vulnerable people. They raised the alarm publicly and with senior management and their concerns were ignored.
“Today’s report confirms that those responsible, including two former agency heads, are guilty of shocking breaches of the APS Code of Conduct. Not only did Kathryn Campbell oversee this unlawful scheme, but today’s findings also prove she failed to act on the concerns raised by staff and created a culture which silenced staff.
“While CPSU members are relieved to see those responsible found guilty of serious Code of Conduct breaches, it is incredibly disappointing that there are no meaningful consequences for those at the top.
“While the likes of Kathryn Campbell move on with their lives without sanction, our members continue to deal with the consequences of the scheme on those communities they serve and the loss of public trust.”
