Combatting the Code

From welfare compliance and predictive policing to visa processing and risk assessment, automated systems are reshaping how governments interact with citizens. While often promoted as faster and more efficient, they raise critical questions about accountability, transparency, fairness and human rights.

In this year’s Sandy Duncanson Social Justice Lecture, Dr Yee-Fui Ng examines the growing use of automation and AI in public administration and what happens when these systems fail. Drawing on Australia’s Robodebt scandal and international approaches to regulating automated governance, she explores how poorly designed systems can entrench bias, reduce transparency and erode public trust.

As governments rapidly adopt AI-driven tools, how can we ensure efficiency does not come at the expense of justice, accountability and democratic oversight?