Global search

Primary navigation

24 August 2021

 

The case centres on early business plans and other documents produced by the Department of Human Services – now known as Services Australia – to justify the rollout of the Robodebt scheme.

These documents could reveal what Prime Minister Scott Morrison and senior ministers Christian Porter and Alan Tudge knew when they had responsibility for the program.

Human rights advocate Justin Warren first requested the documents under Freedom of Information (FOI) laws back in 2017.

When the department refused to release the documents, Mr Warren challenged the decision through the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, and won.

Services Australia appealed the OAIC’s decision, and the Tribunal considered the appeal in June 2021. Wednesday’s hearing is in relation to an application from Services Australia to reopen its case and introduce new evidence.

The case forms part of the Grata FOI Project and is being run pro bono by Maurice Blackburn.

Media access to the hearing:

Journalists who wish to attend the hearing should email media@aat.gov.au before 8am on the day of the hearing with their request.

Detailed instructions for how media and the public can request access to the hearing is available on the tribunal website here.

Background materials:

Further information regarding the case can be found on the Grata Fund’s website here.

Stories about the impact of the unlawful Robodebt program are available at the #NotMyDebt website here.

 

Media inquiries:

Richard George, Grata Fund0403 771 139 or richard@gratafund.org.au

Paddy Murphy, Maurice Blackburn0490 297 391 or pmurphy@mauriceblackburn.com.au

 

Practice Areas:
Social justice

 

Maurice Blackburn media team

Our media team advises and supports Maurice Blackburn lawyers and clients during all forms of media engagement, including video and television appearances, radio, online and print media.

Please direct media inquiries to media@mauriceblackburn.com.au, or contact team members directly via the phone numbers below.

Avatar

Jade Knight

National Manager Public Affairs, Media and communications

  • Brisbane, QLD
  • (07) 3016 0396
    0417 969 438
Avatar

Michael Cooney

General Manager Public Affairs, Media and communications

  • Melbourne, VIC
  • (03) 9605 2700
Avatar

Chee Chee Leung

Media Manager, Media and communications

  • Melbourne, VIC
  • (03) 9045 6941
    0412 560 584
Avatar

Paddy Murphy

Media Manager, Media and communications

  • Melbourne, VIC
  • (03) 8102 2003
    0490 297 391

Easy ways to get in touch

We are here to help. Give us a call, request a call back or use our free claim check tool to get in touch with our friendly legal team. With local knowledge and a national network of experts, we have the experience you can count on. 

Office locations

We’re here to help. Get in touch with your local office.

Select your state below

We have lawyers who specialise in a range of legal claims who travel to Australian Capital Territory. If you need a lawyer in Canberra or elsewhere in Australian Capital Territory, please call us on 1800 675 346.

We have lawyers who specialise in a range of legal claims who travel to Tasmania. If you need a lawyer in Hobart, Launceston or elsewhere in Tasmania, please call us on 1800 675 346.