Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Responding to Robodebt) Bill 2025; Second Reading

Senate · Tuesday 26 August 2025

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

At a glance

Senator Penny Allman-Payne moved the second reading of the bill, which aims to implement unacted-upon recommendations from the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme. The legislation proposes reinstating a six-year limit on social security debt recovery, establishing a duty of care for Services Australia, and restricting automated decision-making. Senator Allman-Payne argued that the government had failed to adequately address the legacy of Robodebt and that these reforms were necessary to protect vulnerable income support recipients. The debate was adjourned with leave granted for the senator to continue remarks later.

Outcome

Debate adjourned with leave granted for Senator Allman-Payne to continue remarks later.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Penny Allman-Payne (QLD) (Australian Greens) Greens

Senator Allman-Payne supported the bill, arguing it addressed key recommendations from the Robodebt Royal Commission that the government had ignored. Allman-Payne highlighted the need to reinstate a six-year limit on debt recovery to prevent the pursuit of historical debts, some dating back to 1979. The senator emphasized the bill's introduction of a duty of care for Services Australia to reduce stigma and ensure sensitive engagement with recipients. Allman-Payne also noted provisions requiring human oversight for automated decisions and expanding access to crisis payments and debt waivers for victims of domestic violence.