Services Australia told SBS News they've refunded $2.9 million to just 338 of the 44,000 people potentially owed money.

Despite its high-flown rhetoric, the Albanese government has been tortoise-like in reforming the appointments process. It’s now clear why For years, governments of both persuasion have made appointments to senior public positions with absolute disregard for integrity, transparency and accountability. This has been a significant blow to democratic principles. It has resulted in a serious lack of trust in government institutions. The low watermark was perhaps the Morrison government’s appointment of a horde of political figures and staffers to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in the concluding days of the 46th parliament. The appointment for a term of four years, or in the case of statutory officers, for five years The notification of potential board vacancies on a regular basis The preparation of a skills matrix for proposed positions The creation of, and subsequent role to be played by assessment panels whose task will be to seek the widest choice of qualified candidates and make recommendations to the minister Those recommendations and assessments are to be considered by the minister who may select a candidate for submission to cabinet or, if making a direct appointment, must give reasons for doing so in a transparent manner. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Staff were told of major changes to the way NDIS funding and support plans will be made during a recent internal briefing