Law Firm Considers Fresh Compensation Claim Following Robodebt Royal Commission Findings
Gordon Legal, the law firm that led the Robodebt class action, is considering its options for a new compensation claim in light of the recent Robodebt royal commission findings. The firm’s head, Peter Gordon, has written to the prime minister inviting negotiations for a potential claim under misfeasance, abuse of process, or misrepresentation.
According to Andrew Grech, senior lawyer at Gordon Legal, if the firm is given the opportunity to present evidence from the royal commission in a civil court, there could be serious repercussions for the individuals involved. The previous class action, which the Morrison government settled for $110 million, primarily aimed to recover the debts paid by the 430,000 Robodebt victims, along with interest. However, Grech believes that this falls short of providing adequate compensation.
Commissioner Catherine Holmes found evidence suggesting the grounds for a tort of misfeasance in public office. Such a claim can be brought against someone in public office who has unlawfully exercised their power, and would assess whether that person was recklessly indifferent to the legality of their actions and the potential harm they could cause. While it is a complex tort, claimants can pursue damages for the wrongdoing itself as well as any resultant losses.
Government Services Minister Bill Shorten has emphasized that the consequences stemming from the royal commission are far from over. He believes that victims may consider suing individual Coalition ministers, given the damning analysis by the royal commission. Shorten states that the commission exposes the culpability of several Coalition ministers and senior public servants, leaving no room for escape.
This fresh compensation claim represents an opportunity for the victims of the Robodebt scheme to seek appropriate redress. The law firm Gordon Legal is determined to fight for their clients and aims to hold those responsible accountable for the distress and financial impacts caused by Robodebt. As negotiations unfold and evidence from the royal commission is presented, it remains to be seen how this potential claim will progress and what justice it may bring to the affected individuals.
