Albanese government warned it’s ‘sleepwalking into another robodebt scenario’ over use of algorithms and AI

The Centre for Public Integrity has warned that gaps in oversight of government algorithms and artificial intelligence could lead to another Robodebt-style scandal. Its new report calls for urgent rules to make automated decisions more transparent and accountable.

The report focuses partly on an aged-care assessment tool that helps determine older Australians’ home-support entitlements. It says the tool has routinely under-assessed people’s needs, while assessors have been barred from overriding incorrect algorithmic decisions. The centre recommends mandatory audits, a public register of automated decision-making and an independent oversight body; the government says its planned framework will include safeguards and human oversight.