Statement on the NACC’s Operation Myrtleford report
Minister for the Public Service
Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher
Attorney-General
The Hon Michelle Rowland MP
Minister for Social Services
The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP
Joint Media Release
The Australian Government acknowledges the publication of the National Anti-Corruption Commission’s report of the investigation into the six persons referred to it by the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme.
The Commission’s investigation (known as Operation Myrtleford) was led by Deputy Commissioner Kylie Kilgour and supported by the Hon Geoffrey Nettle AC KC as Chief Advisor.
Deputy Commissioner Kilgour made findings of serious corrupt conduct against two of the six referred persons.
The Government thanks the Commission for undertaking this important work.
In presenting the final report of the Royal Commission to the Governor-General in 2023, the Hon Catherine Holmes AC SC recommended an additional chapter “remain sealed and not be tabled with the rest of the report so as not to prejudice the conduct of any future civil action or criminal prosecution”.
With the Commission’s investigation and other investigation processes following the Royal Commission now complete, the Government will now progress the tabling of the sealed chapter.
The Royal Commission found that “Robodebt was a crude and cruel mechanism, neither fair nor legal” and “a costly failure of public administration, in both human and economic terms.” The Royal Commission made 56 recommendations, all of which were accepted or accepted in principle by the Government.
The Government acknowledges the serious effects the Robodebt Scheme had on those affected and their families. If matters raised by the report cause distress, you can call Lifeline at any time on 13 11 14. Dedicated crisis support is available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians by calling 13 YARN (13 92 76).
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP
“The Government acknowledges the release of the National Anti-Corruption Commission’s report of its investigation into the six persons referred to it by the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme. We thank the Commission for undertaking this important work.
“The illegal Robodebt scheme was a betrayal of everyday Australians, resulting in human tragedy and untold misery.
“The Royal Commission was clear in its findings, and we must work to ensure this can never occur again.”
Quote attributable to Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher
“As a government we have acted on the Royal Commission findings across the Service. The NACC report reinforces the importance of integrity, learning from past failures, and ensuring the Australian Public Service provides frank advice to Governments.”
Quotes attributable to The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP
“Robodebt was illegal and immoral and nothing like it can be allowed to happen again. I’d like to thank the Commission for their work.
“We’ll keep working to deliver a fairer social security system for all Australians; a system that treats people as human beings.”