Ex-minister Stuart Robert 'takes responsibility' for Robodebt implementation, admits defending it despite knowing it could be unlawful
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-02/qld-robodebt-scheme-government-royal-commission-stuart-robert/102034796
Looks like Stuart Robert has dropped some of his bluster and retreated to the Nuremberg Defense. He's making weak excuses for being a key architect and implementer of RoboDebt, which led to the death of many people and harmed the physical and mental health of thousands of Australians. This is on Stuart Robert, and he shouldn't be able to dodge accountability by saying he was "Just following orders".
Key quotes:
Stuart Robert went on television programs defending RoboDebt as a "dutiful cabinet minister", despite being aware it could be unlawful.
"As a senior member of the government, I take absolute responsibility as part of cabinet solidarity for this."
"Ministers are required to defend the government's programs as part of cabinet solidarity regardless of if they agree with them or not."
"I have implemented many things I passionately disagree with, but I'm still required as a minister to represent them and defend them and that's what I've done here, regardless of my personal sense or belief."
"Legal advice is just advice."
#RoboDebt #RoboDebtRC #AusPol #StuartRobert #NurembergDefense