The Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme will soon deliver its findings.

Robodebt, the controversial automated debt recovery system used by the Australian government, may not have been the result of advanced technology or artificial intelligence, but rather a flawed policy based on defective mathematics. 

A picture is emerging of a small group of individuals who sought to achieve public sector success by concocting a legally and mathematically flawed way to recover billions of dollars in retroactive savings from welfare recipients. 

The flawed policy involved penalising recipients based on a reversed burden of proof, targeting individuals who had previously been cleared as entitled to payments.

The Commission's findings are expected to highlight the role of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) in providing data to Human Services (later Services Australia) and the need for better collaboration and safeguards to prevent such maladministration. 

While senior staff at the ATO expressed major concerns about the robodebt scheme, they were ignored and told to focus on their own responsibilities.

The essence of the robodebt scheme was the envy of the ATO's ability to access real-time payroll data, which the Department of Human Services could not. 

The scheme aimed to capitalise on this innovation but failed due to impatience for revenue savings and a dismissal of technical constraints. 

The result was a scheme that was later deemed illegal and immoral.

The robodebt scheme differed from traditional debt recovery methods by applying penalties retrospectively, without proper evidence. 

The scheme collapsed when taken to court, revealing the faulty technical arguments supporting its implementation.

The Royal Commission also shed light on the relationship between the public service and ministers, with former social services minister Christian Porter's comments highlighting the ministers' reactive nature. 

Experts argue that public servants may have proposed the robodebt idea to appeal to ministers, leading to serious mistakes in public service behaviour and advice.

The Commission's findings and recommendations are expected to challenge the existing relationship between the administration and policy aspects of the social security system. 

There is a need for better communication of risks and frank and fearless advice to ensure responsible government and avoid similar failures in the future.

However, the final report is also expected to highlight the courage and dedication of public servants who tried to make a difference. 

The Commission's revelations may encourage public servants to prioritise ethics and speak up against flawed policies.

The state of record-keeping within the public service also came under scrutiny during the Commission. 

The absence of proper documentation raised concerns about the institution's accountability and transparency. 

Experts say improved record creation and a commitment to stewardship are necessary to support future inquiries and ensure public trust.

The final Robodebt royal commission report is expected to be delivered on Friday.