Public servants may have ‘colluded’ to launch robodebt despite knowing it was unlawful, inquiry hears

Former supreme court judge overseeing royal commission put to a key witness that he and his colleagues may have deceived' the Department of Social Services, but the witness said it was simply not my intent'

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

The former supreme court judge overseeing a royal commission has raised the prospect public servants across two departments colluded" to launch the robodebt scheme despite knowing it was unlawful.

Catherine Holmes AC SC also put to a key witness who helped devise the scheme that he and his Department of Human Services (DHS) colleagues may have instead deceived" the Department of Social Services while they debated the proposal in 2015.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup