Ignoring harm, saving face: non-knowledge, senior public servants and the Robodebt scheme

Abstract

Policy-making is well-known to be characterised by the boundedly rational and selective use of knowledge. However, the decision-making and knowledge manipulation which characterised the Robodebt scandal is of a different order. In this article, we analyse the role of strategic ignorance and knowledge avoidance in sustaining the scheme, drawing on evidence presented to the 2022–2023 Royal Commission. Within the Departments of Human Services and Social Services, a wide range of public servants had awareness or direct evidence of the illegality and inaccuracy of the scheme, and therefore of the potential for harm to welfare recipients. Yet, senior executives went to great lengths to avoid any recognition or inscription of this knowledge. We identify the specific strategies used by senior public servants over the life of the program to obscure or cast doubt over legal and policy advice, create misleading narratives within agencies, and sideline those who raised concerns.