Last week I attended the advance screening of the SBS limited series – The People via Robodebt – at the Theatre at the Australian Parliament House. There are some very brave people featured in the documentary/docuseries who were significantly impacted by the Robodebt fiasco – some tragically. One thing that struck me as a constant message that came through each of the people who shared their experiences and expertise about the failings of the Government’s welfare system at that time (more specifically around analysis of payments and potential debts) was that human beings/people were removed from the process. A fully automated system was brought into effect drawing on data from Services Australia and the Australian Taxation Office. But the human checks and balances that normally happened in the ‘old system’ were gone. Further – it seemed that accessing ‘real people’ to ask questions/and or make complaints was very difficult to do.
We all know that the world is changing due to technological advances and that our workforce and service delivery also needs to keep pace – especially with the significant advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI). As FRSA looks to how we can support our Members in their AI journey we can never lose focus on the human natured focus of the sector’s work. Navigating what is possible and what is suitable will be a key consideration of the AI journey for the FRS Sector. We look forward to delivering a program at the upcoming Strategic Leadership Forum that will have a strong focus on AI. For the FRSA CEOs and Senior Managers reading this eBulletin – if you are yet to register – I do encourage you to do so. Along with key speakers from the Department of Social Services and the Attorney-General’s Department – we promise to deliver an event that will be informative and inspiring.
In other member specific news – the FRSA Board Nomination process is open! This information was sent directly to our FRSA Member Delegates at each of our member organisations. IF you missed it or cannot find it – please get in touch with the team at the office on 02) 6162 1811. Nominations close on Monday, 10 October 2025 (4pm AEDT).
I am also delighted to advise that we have a new employee starting with FRSA, Rhys Jaconley who will be the Family Law Communities of Practice Project Officer. We are very excited to have received such a strong support for the EOIs for the Family Law Communities of Practice and look forward to getting those up and running with the first sessions being held in November. With Rhys due to officially start next week – information about dates and times will be out soon.
Although May next year and Conference 2026 seems some time away – I did want to ask you to start thinking about the Conference Call for Abstracts process that we will be releasing next week. We take great pride in running an event that showcases the work of the sector. So – I encourage you to start thinking about the contribution you would like to be making at Conference 2026.
I am heading off for a fortnight’s holiday with my family. Robyn Clough will be Acting ED whilst I am away – leading the amazing team here at FRSA.
