The Westminster Tradition - 12. Robodebt as algorithm (part 3) - Jurassic Park ICT and AI

12. Robodebt as algorithm (part 3) - Jurassic Park ICT and AI

09/04/23 • 31 min

In our final episode on the algorithmic nature of Robodebt, we tackle the implications of algorithms being commercial in confidence property of third party providers, legacy ICT systems, plus recognise we need to lean in to understanding AI and how it works.
We do a second mini-dive into the Great British Post Office scandal - this time into the systemic racism that underpinned its operation.
We finish up by thinking about how AI black box decision making may interact with a historic trend of government interventions that focus on individual entitlement, rather than community needs.
You can find more information about the legal landscape of automated decision making in Anna Huggins (2021) "Addressing Disconnection: Automated decision-making, administrative law and regulatory reform".
This podcast was recorded on Kaurna land, and we recognise Kaurna elders past and present. Always was, always will be.
*The intro grab this week is an AI called Russell reading an extract from Minister Shorten's 25 July 2023 speech at the AFR Government Summit. While an AI voice is on theme, if anyone has access to an actual recording of the speech, we will happily put that up instead. Just email us.*

Now for some appropriately bureaucratic disclaimers....
While we have tried to be as thorough in our research as busy full time jobs and lives allow, we definitely don’t guarantee that we’ve got all the details right.
If you want rigorous reporting on Robodebt, we recommend the work of Rick Morton at the Saturday Paper, Chris Knaus and Luke Henriques-Gomes at the Guardian, Ben Eltham at Crikey, Julian Bajkowski at The Mandarin, and of course, the Robodebt Royal Commission itself.
Please feel free to email us corrections, episode suggestions, or anything else, at [email protected].
Thanks to PanPot audio for our intro and outro music.
'Til next time!

Previous Episode

11. Robodebt as algorithm (part 2) - random number generator decision-making

How will automation impact the ability of people to seek review of administrative decisions by government agencies?
In this episode, we talk about the human bias toward thinking computers are right, and take a brief digression into another public service scandal - The Great Post Office Trial - where discrepancies on a computer screen were used as proof to send people to jail.
You can find Alison's homework reading by former Chief Justice French here.
This podcast was recorded on Kaurna land, and we recognise Kaurna elders past and present. Always was, always will be.
Intro grab features Robodebt victim, Rosemary Gay, and Counsel Assisting Douglas Freeburn.

Next Episode

13. Pink Batts and Robodebt - lessons not learned

In September 2014, at the very moment DHS invents Robodebt, the APS receives a frank assessment of its limitations in the form of the Final Report Home Insulation Program Royal Commission.
In this episode, a review of the 'pink batts' Royal Commission report shows the key failings that recur.
Why is it so hard as a public servant to say 'we can't do this in the time allowed?'
How should generalists respond when asked to engage in technical subject matter that we don't understand?
And once again, how do we ensure collegiality doesn't lead to group think and unwillingness to raise risks?
You can find the Final Report of the Home Insulation Program Royal Commission here, and the comments about public servant testimony on page 13.
This podcast was recorded on Kaurna land, and we recognise Kaurna elders past and present. Always was, always will be.
Intro grab features Mr Chris Birrer and Commissioner Catherine Holmes, 7 November 2023.