In a scathing report, the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme in Australia highlighted the multitude of ways in which the public sector technology failed to serve the public interest.
The report shed light on the institutional shortcomings of the Australian Public Service (APS) and emphasised the urgent need for comprehensive reform.
Pitfalls of technology in policy delivery
One of the primary concerns raised by the commission is the reliance on technology systems for policy delivery. The Robodebt Scheme automated decision-making processes and was deemed a “massive systemic failure.”
The management of data matching, from collection to disposal, was found to be lax, breaching legal and regulatory requirements. The report emphasises that legislative aspects cannot be separated from their realisation in the technological infrastructure.
The report warns that even if legislative issues are resolved, the continued reliance on technological systems prioritising efficiency over human considerations will likely perpetuate harm.
The commission acknowledges the potential benefits of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) but underscores the importance of ensuring that technology is implemented “when done well.”
Proposed solutions
To address the systemic failings, several solutions are recommended. Firstly, establishing a coherent conceptual model of digital government is crucial for guiding technological choices.
Secondly, individuals should be granted an inalienable right to personal data and control over its use, supported by legal sanctions against unauthorised access. Additionally, a sandbox within the APS could foster innovation, allowing policy and tech solutions to be modeled, tested, and refined. The report also calls for greater transparency and accountability, exposing technological systems and algorithms to external testing to ensure security, fairness, and privacy.
Lastly, the focus should extend beyond technical skills. A forward-looking APS should value nonconformity, curiosity, independent-mindedness, and forthrightness.
The interaction between technology, organisation, culture, and policy must be addressed to prevent further harm and regain public trust. Implementing a conceptual digital government model, granting individuals control over their data, encouraging innovation, enhancing transparency and accountability.
And prioritising character traits and diverse perspectives in the public sector are essential steps toward a more effective and responsible governance system. The challenges ahead are significant, but they are necessary to prevent the recurrence of such systemic failures and protect the public interest.