Automated decision-making affecting people's lives in the new NDIS Bill and across government departments

Sarah Sacher from the Human Technology Institute (HTI) explains the expanded provisions for automated decision making in the new NDIS Bill before parliament, that lack human oversight and proper guard rails. This decision-making relates to the supports that people with disability can access.While certain types of decisions may be appropriate for automation, those that require human discretion and judgement are not. It appears that government has learnt little from the Robodebt tragedy, and the failures and travesties of automated decision-making in areas such as aged care assessments, Jobseeker compliance assessments, and the many unlawful cancellations of Centrelink payments.In a submission to a Senate inquiry, the HTI recommends that the Australian Government urgently implements a legislated framework for its use of all automated decision making. In addition, Sarah suggests that listeners raise this urgent issue with their local (federal) MP.LinksNational Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026Submission and article by the Human Technology Institute (HTI)Karen Barlow 2026, 'Exclusive: Unprecedented automation in NDIS decisions', The Saturday Paper No. 603, 6-12 June 2026. (by subscription)Getting help in VictoriaCentrelink issues: Social Security Rights VictoriaLegal help: Federation of Community Legal Centres Victoria