Services Australia CEO Rebecca Skinner has issued an apology for robodebt.

In an internal message last Friday, Skinner reportedly acknowledged the immense challenges posed by the robodebt scandal.

“I want to apologise to all of you for robodebt,” Skinner expressed. 

“Robodebt is a heavy burden that many of you still carry.”

Skinner says that the scheme placed an unjust burden on staff collectively and individually, stating; “You deserve an apology from your agency”.

This is not the first apology regarding robodebt. 

In July, Department of Social Services Secretary Ray Griggs apologised following the findings of a royal commission. 

Earlier, in April, APS Commissioner Gordon de Brouwer had already issued an apology for the program, even before the royal commission's final report was made public.

Skinner, who assumed her CEO role in 2020, praised those who had the courage to speak out and act ethically during the robodebt debacle. 

“Whether you did so at the time or made your voice heard through the royal commission, I applaud your courage,” she noted.

Skinner stressed the importance of staff raising concerns, stating that those who spoke up were the “backbone” of Services Australia. 

She assured staff that creating a safe environment for raising issues and prioritising customer-centric decisions was her responsibility.

“It's my job now to make sure that we are listening,” Skinner affirmed.

Jeannie-Marie Blake, a Centrelink employee, revealed her fear of speaking at the robodebt royal commission. 

She was cautioned that providing “correct” evidence was imperative, and speaking at the commission might hinder her career advancement.

Former Centrelink employee Colleen Taylor, who bravely exposed the unlawful scheme during public hearings, received praise from robodebt royal commissioner Catherine Holmes. 

Holmes noted that individuals like Taylor “restored faith” in the Australian Public Service (APS) but lamented that their insights were not heeded.

In her message, Skinner reassured staff members who had worked on the program that they had acted in good faith, guided by assurances from senior management.

“Your integrity remains intact. Your character is not in question,” Skinner affirmed.

Skinner pledged that her agency would take on the lessons learned from the inquiry as a “top priority”.

The final report from the royal commission was published in July, but the government is yet to respond to its 57 recommendations.