I would argue it grew out of an irrational hatred of the idea of Australia having a strong welfare state. And is also wrapped up in a hatred of the poor and anyone else who relies on welfare support to survive.

"It is most likely the weight of this [final report] is going to be felt against the bureaucrats, the public servants.

“It is quite clear they have fallen short of their duty of providing frank and fearless advice and meeting professional standards.”

APS hasn’t been allowed to provide frank and fearless advice since Howard gutted it.

“Robodebt ran from 2015 to 2019, lobbing false debt notices at 443,000 welfare recipients.”

And the ombudsman knew. And PwC knew. But nothing was done.

Everyone in any part of government remotely related to this was fully to blame.

The final report — to be handed to the governor-general on Friday

At 5pm when the journos and staffers are at the pub, I assume. It’s always a good idea to get ahead of the really unflattering reports.

How? Because a bunch of good old boys needed a payday.