Statement - Robodebt Royal Commission

The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement that a Royal Commission will be held into the ‘Robodebt’ program, fulfilling an election promise.

For over four years, almost 400,000 vulnerable Australians who were ill-equipped to challenge an overpayment were branded tax cheats and hounded by private debt collectors.

The toll on people was catastrophic – with many suffering financial hardship, anxiety and distress, including suicidal ideation and in some cases suicide.

We hope the Royal Commission will bring to light how the scheme was conceived, who was responsible and most importantly, what needs to be done to ensure this shameful chapter in public administration never happens again.

The Society walked alongside many victims of this sorry episode of government over-reach and will speak on behalf of those who feel they did not have a voice.