Almost a thousand Australians lost their welfare payments by federal government agencies between 2022 and 2024 in contradiction of the law, according to a new report by the Commonwealth Ombudsman.

Guest: Iain Anderson, Commonwealth Ombudsman

Producer: Max Chalmers

This story has been updated to include a response from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations:

• The Secretary of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations thanks the Ombudsman for his insights.
• The department has accepted all recommendations and will work actively with Services Australia to implement the Ombudsman’s recommendations.
• The Secretary has made a statement that is now available on the department’s website