We've just learned taxpayers forked out about $2.5m in legal expenses for former Coalition government ministers (and prime ministers)
to be represented at the royal commission.
The figures were revealed by the attorney-general's department this morning:
• $795,053 for former social services minister Christian Porter• $477,528 for former prime minister Scott Morrison•
$518,064 for former human services minister Michael Keenan•
$240,520 for former human services minister Marise Payne• $183,835 for former government services minister Stuart Robert•
$98,935 for former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull
Robodebt report to make criminal referralsA landmark report into the Robodebt scheme will make referrals for both civil and criminal prosecution, the royal commission has revealed.
Robodebt reckoning: ex-ministers in the gun
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/
Scott Morrison gave evidence about schemeThe hearings saw a conga line of former prime ministers give evidence about the scheme including Scott Morrison and Malcolm Turnbull and former cabinet ministers including Christian Porter, Alan Tudge and Stuart Robert.
Robodebts were debts that were raised between July 2015 and November 2019 under the Income Compliance Program.
They were raised using averaged Australian Taxation Office (ATO) income information and were subsequently found to be unlawful.During his own evidence to the inquiry, former Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he was given “very explicit” advice that no legislation was needed for the scheme which would ultimately become robodebt.“The critical failure in the system was that this advice, which had been sought prior to my turning up, was not brought to the attention of ministers, and I believe there was an obligation and duty to do so,”
Mr Morrison said.“I believe that was a reasonable expectation of a minister of their department.”The Department of Social Services had warned in late 2014 the robodebt proposal would likely be unlawful.
https://www.news.com.au/national/po...n/news-story/7e39a046d31dd0e86695bf0b85a42a13
Ministers and former ministers were eligible for legal representation in relation to proceedings and other related costs.
