I'd like to thank the member for Clark for that question. I do appreciate his absolute longstanding interest in these issues and particularly issues that affect our most vulnerable Australians. The Albanese Labor government understands the importance of ensuring government systems operate effectively, particularly when interacting with vulnerable people. I, as minister, expect the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations to take all necessary steps to ensure that the processes and systems it uses in administering the targeted compliance framework operate in accordance with the law. The department accepted all recommendations of the Commonwealth Ombudsman's recent report related to the targeted compliance framework and our government made $48.8 million available to strengthen the integrity of that system that administers the targeted compliance framework, including to address the recommendations of the Commonwealth Ombudsman.

The department has undertaken significant work to address findings from the Commonwealth Ombudsman and other issues that were identified as a result of legislation changes in early 2022 that facilitated the introduction of Workforce Australia by the former government. The significant work undertaken includes IT system improvements and intensive testing which will continue to ensure the system operates as intended. It has improved notifications for participants, improved provider guidance and introduced improved provider training. The development of clear and consistent complaints and review process information alongside Services Australia have also been introduced, along with greater mandatory annual training for all staff which covers decision-making under legislation, the exercise of discretion and good practices around making decisions that are valid and lawful.

The secretary has provided the government with assurances that decision-making under the elements of the targeted compliance framework that resumed this week are operating in accordance with the law. The secretary has informed me that IT systems will continue to be tested to ensure any payment cancellations and notifications are operating lawfully, and regular meetings will occur with Services Australia and the Department of Social Services to support ongoing assurance activities. The secretary has established a dedicated assurance function within the department to provide ongoing oversight of system integrity. I can assure the member that our government takes these issues very seriously. It is my expectation that this work will continue to be undertaken as a matter of priority to ensure that all systems are operating as intended.