Kate Chaney (Curtin, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This is a question for the Attorney-General. It's coming up to a decade since the implementation of the robodebt scheme, but there's still no mandatory framework for the use of automated decision-making in government. There are now real community concerns about the use of automated decisions in aged care and the NDIS. You engaged in a community consultation on automated decision-making well over a year ago. When can we expect to see a legislated and mandatory framework for automated decision-making in government to prevent a repeat of robodebt?

Michelle Rowland (Greenway, Australian Labor Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for her question and for her ongoing interest in this important reform. The Albanese government is working to protect Australians against a repeat of the former Liberal government's illegal and immoral robodebt scheme. We are developing a consistent whole-of-government framework for the use of automated decision-making, or ADM, implementing recommendations of the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme.

Responding to the royal commission with durable reform is a priority for the government, particularly where it strengthens the integrity, lawfulness and transparency of Commonwealth decision-making. For the benefit of the House, ADM refers to the use of automated systems to carry out administrative actions and make decisions. For example, when you receive a Medicare benefit on the spot instead of having to lodge a claim, that is an automated decision.

A well-designed ADM framework will achieve much, including improving accuracy and consistency of administrative decisions, embedding robust safeguards and ensuring ADM tools are used lawfully, responsibly and with appropriate human oversight. It will also enhance public trust by providing transparency about when and how automation is used in government. It will also lift productivity and service delivery performance, enabling faster, more reliable services that are aligned with community expectations.

I can assure the member the framework is being developed carefully and methodically to ensure that it supports innovation whilst maintaining strong protections for individuals, especially where decisions affect rights, entitlements or obligations. Striking that right balance is essential. The government has undertaken extensive consultation, including with the public, to ensure the framework reflects community expectations. Ongoing engagement is also occurring across government to inform the design of the framework, including work with agencies that do have significant experience deploying ADM in their frontline services. The Albanese government's approach is future focused and it's focused on delivery. It ensures Australia can responsibly adopt new technologies, derive better quality services in a more timely way and avoid the types of systemic failures identified by the robodebt royal commission. When I'm in a position to provide further information on the timing of these well advanced reforms, I'd be more than happy to engage with the honourable member and any other interested members.