Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Automated Decision-Making (Safeguards and Transparency) Bill 2026; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Monday 7 September 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate focused on the need for legislative safeguards against the use of automated systems in government decision-making, citing the robodebt scheme as a cautionary example. Kate Chaney introduced the bill to address the lack of rules regarding automation in areas such as aged care and the NDIS, arguing that current practices lack transparency and human oversight. Monique Ryan supported the legislation, highlighting concerns about specific tools like the Integrated Assessment Tool and the I-CAN assessment tool. Both members emphasised the necessity of implementing recommendations from the robodebt royal commission to protect vulnerable Australians.

Outcome

The bill was seconded by Monique Ryan, but the transcript does not state the final voting result.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Kate Chaney (Curtin) (Independent) Ind

Chaney argued that the government had failed to implement robodebt royal commission recommendations regarding automated decision-making safeguards. Chaney highlighted concerns about the use of automated tools in aged care and the NDIS, noting that human decision-makers could not override algorithmic outcomes. Chaney stated that the bill would introduce mandatory risk assessments, transparency requirements, and oversight by the Commonwealth Ombudsman. Chaney emphasised that automation must be prohibited where it produces unlawful outcomes or unjustified adverse impacts on human rights.