Inaccuracy of robodebt scheme ‘known issue’ but was ‘only way’ to do more reviews, commission told

Former top lawyer for the Department of Human Services said she relied on another department’s position that incoming averaging scheme was lawfulFollow our Australia news live blog for the latest updatesGet our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcastA former top lawyer at the Department of Human Services has told an inquiry it was a “known issue” robodebts were often wrong but the “income averaging” algorithm meant the government could target many more welfare recipients.A royal commission investigating the unlawful Centrelink debt recovery scheme also heard new evidence the former government was warned about the prospect of a civil claim for misfeasance in public office if the scheme continued beyond November 2019.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup