Kate Chaney calls for greater transparency and accountability in government AI decisions
Independent MP for Curtin Kate Chaney is pushing for stronger transparency and accountability requirements around the Australian Government’s use of algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI), warning that automated decision-making could create another Robodebt-style scandal if appropriate safeguards are not introduced.
The concerns are highlighted in a report by the Centre for Public Integrity, titled Computer Says No. The organisation’s chief executive, Dr Catherine Williams, argues that government use of automated decision-making (ADM) requires greater scrutiny to ensure decisions are fair, transparent and accountable.
The report recommends mandatory audits of automated decision-making systems, a publicly accessible register of their use across government, and independent monitoring to oversee how these technologies are deployed.
A key concern is the government's Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT), which is used to assess the needs of older Australians seeking aged care services. The tool has been found to underestimate people's needs, with aged care assessors reportedly unable to amend incorrect algorithmic decisions.
The case highlights the risks of allowing automated systems to influence decisions affecting people's access to essential government services without adequate transparency or opportunities for human intervention.
The concerns also draw parallels with the Robodebt scandal, in which automated processes were used to calculate welfare debts. Recommendations from the Robodebt Royal Commission included greater transparency and accountability in government decision-making, but a subsequent report found that recommendations relating to transparency had not been adequately reflected in the development of the aged care assessment tool.
The Attorney-General's Department is currently developing an automated decision-making framework intended to support the safe use of these technologies. The work follows recommendations from the Robodebt Royal Commission.
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has acknowledged the importance of automated decision-making in improving government efficiency but has not provided a clear implementation timetable or confirmed whether the proposed framework will apply retrospectively.
Chaney has introduced a private member's bill seeking to establish a legislated framework for automated decision-making. Her intervention reflects concerns about inconsistencies in the government's approach and the lack of transparency surrounding the use of algorithms in public administration.
She argues that Australians need to be able to understand how automated decisions are made and have confidence that government systems are operating fairly. Transparency is particularly important when decisions affect individuals' access to services and support.
The debate comes as governments increasingly incorporate AI and automated systems into public administration. While these technologies offer opportunities to improve efficiency, the report highlights the importance of ensuring that automated decisions remain subject to appropriate scrutiny and accountability.
There is growing pressure on the federal government to continue developing its ADM framework rather than abandon or delay the reforms because of their complexity. For Chaney and other advocates, establishing clear legislative safeguards is essential to preventing the mistakes associated with Robodebt from being repeated as government reliance on AI increases.