Australian Ombudsman Urges Human Override of Automated Aged-Care Decisions

Australia’s Commonwealth Ombudsman Iain Anderson has called for legislative changes allowing assessors to override automated aged-care funding decisions when they are clinically inappropriate. In findings reported Monday, his investigation criticised the Integrated Assessment Tool’s transparency, consultation and oversight, saying the public could not meaningfully see how inputs become outcomes. The report makes 10 recommendations, including a comprehensive review of relevant legislation and the algorithm’s business rules, alongside meaningful public consultation before changes. It also asks the Australian National Audit Office to consider a performance audit of the assessment system.