Thousands of Australians affected by the Robodebt scheme have just hours left to secure their share of a historic compensation deal, with registrations closing on March 6.

The deadline follows a landmark legal battle sparked by the Royal Commission’s damning findings, which revealed senior public servants knew the scheme was unlawful from the outset yet allowed it to run for years, targeting some of the nation’s most vulnerable welfare recipients.

The Albanese government accepted those findings, with Government Services Minister Bill Shorten previously describing Robodebt as “illegal” and “unlawful from the start”.

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The Robodebt Class Action Appeal began in September 2024 after the Royal Commission uncovered new evidence showing officials who designed and operated the automated debt‑recovery system acted despite knowing it exceeded their legal powers.

That revelation prompted lead applicants Nathan Knox and David Mandell, represented by Gordon Legal, to bring a fresh claim on behalf of victims, arguing the original class action settlement should be revisited so further compensation could be pursued.

The appeal centred on misfeasance in public office — a serious allegation that applies when a public official exercises power unlawfully, in excess of their authority, and with knowledge or reckless indifference that their actions could cause harm.

The Commission’s evidence provided the foundation for these claims, opening the door for a second, far larger settlement.

In September 2025, the appeal settled for $548.5 million, the largest class action settlement in Australian legal history.

The payout is in addition to the $112 million in compensation and legal costs awarded in the original class action, as well as the billions in unlawful debts forgiven, cancelled or repaid by the Commonwealth after the scheme collapsed.

If approved, the combined effect of the class actions will total more than $2.4 billion clawed back from the federal government for the benefit of group members.

With the March 6 cut‑off now imminent, victims who have not yet registered must complete the required steps before the deadline or risk missing out on their share of the record‑breaking settlement.

To register for the Robodebt Class Action Appeal Settlement, click here.

Registrations for eligible Centrelink recipients close at 4pm on Friday, March 6.