Latest news with #TCF
The Guardian
6 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Hundreds of jobseeker payments cancelled illegally by government IT system, watchdog finds
The legality of the system designed to penalise jobseekers has been thrown into doubt after the commonwealth ombudsman found a government department's automatic system unlawfully cancelled payments. The ombudsman has found 964 jobseekers had their payments unlawfully cancelled between April 2022 and July 2024 by the automated IT system that underpins the targeted compliance framework (TCF) system. TCF is designed to make sure jobseekers meet requirements such as attending meetings with an employment provider and applying for jobs to continue to receive their payments. Payment cancellations have been paused since January after the government found a further 1,326 people had financial penalties 'applied incorrectly' due to an IT issue. On top of this, 45 people had their payments illegally cancelled because the system continued to operate in error. On Wednesday, the ombudsman found the payments had been cancelled unlawfully and recommended the government continue to pause cancellations until the it could review the legality of the entire TCF system. The ombudsman, Iain Anderson, said he investigated cancellations where public servants working at the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations had failed to consider individual circumstances before cancelling a payment as laid down by law. 'They were just automating the cancellation without considering the individual circumstances of the jobseeker and whether it was appropriate to cancel the payment or not,' he told Guardian Australia. 'The target compliance framework itself has been very problematic in that regard.' Anderson said that in 2022 DEWR was also meant to put in a 'digital protection framework' to ensure jobseekers were treated fairly, but the department had failed to do so. Anderson said the secretary of DEWR, Natalie Jones, needed to be 'completely confident' the system was working properly before the cancellations resume. 'The targeted compliance framework has had a number of different problems, and so the secretary of DEWR needs to do much more than simply look at the unlawful cancellation issue. 'They need to be really certain that the entire target compliance framework is going to comply with the law and be fair.' He said there were also concerns as to whether the suspension of payments, which happens in tens of thousands of cases each month, was legal. 'We have some concerns as to whether the suspension process is happening fairly and reasonably,' he said. On top of this, Guardian Australia understands a Deloitte report into the IT system that underpins the TCF has found that it is not functioning within the proper legal frameworks. The Deloitte report – which has yet to be published – recommends overhauling the TCF's IT system to ensure that the suspension or cancellation of payments is done legally. The Greens have called for the government to abolish the TCF and release the report. 'It is clear that the TCF is an expensive hangover from a conservative government which has been heartlessly prolonged by this Labor government for far too long,' senator Penny Allman-Payne said. The DEWR is also conducting a legal review to examine the way decisions are being made under the legislation. The Ombudsman will continue to investigate the TCF with another report due out later in the year.
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Fury after JobSeeker payments illegally cut
The administers of JobSeeker have been savaged in a report by the Commonwealth watchdog, which found actions taken by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) and Services Australia likely had a 'catastrophic impact' on vulnerable Aussies. Between April 2022 and July 2024, 964 JobSeeker recipients had their payments automatically cancelled under a specific clause in the Target Compliance Framework (TCF) after it was amended in 2022. The framework is an automated system to get JobSeeker recipient to undertake compulsory tasks such as attending job appointments and actively search for work, with those who repeatedly fail to meet the mutual obligations subjected to financial penalties. Commonwealth Ombudsman Iain Anderson was scathing of DEWR secretary Natalie James and Services Australia, saying they 'failed to take adequate steps to ensure the TCF was implemented in accordance with the 2022 amendment,' resulting in an 'unlawful decision' to cancel income support payments. The move was done 'without consideration of the job seeker's circumstances' and the 'failure to exercise … discretion … (posed) potentially significant, if not catastrophic, consequences for vulnerable job seekers', he wrote. It also noted a further 45 job recipients had their payments automatically cancelled despite Ms James' decision to pause cancellations on September 2024 – the fifth IT error catalogued by the department. The Commonwealth Ombudsman was scathing of the federal entities responsible for administering JobSeeker payments. NewsWire/ Emma Brasier Credit: News Corp Australia 'We also found that the agencies failed to take all of the steps required under those amendments to safeguard job seekers,' the report set to be released on Wednesday found. Critically the report also states a Digital Protection Framework, despite having the legal requirement to do so. Mr Anderson also noted the automation failures happened after the Robodebt Royal Commission which highlighted the 'serious impact' automated processes can have on 'highly vulnerable people'. Ms James also took nearly 10 months between April 2022 to September 2023 to pause the automated cancellations after it was raised by external legal advisers, with Mr Anderson questioning the 'apparent lack of urgency' over the 'significant issue'. As of March 21 this year, reductions and cancellations in income support payments have been paused pending ongoing legal and IT reviews. 'We do not consider a delay of over three years, coupled with an indefinite commitment to future action, is reasonable,' the report said. 'It does not satisfy the legislative requirement in the SPROM Act that the Secretary establish the DPF. 'In our view, if parliament imposes an obligation on an agency head without specifying a time frame (as was the case here), the agency head should aim for implementation as soon as reasonably practicable.' While the department has accepted all seven recommendations issued by Mr Anderson, the ombudsman issued an urgent warning to all government agencies, calling on them to ensure all 'automated decision-making is aligned with law and policy and is subject to ongoing testing and assurance'. 'Implementation of the recommendations is an important step towards restoring the confidence of the public, parliament and above all the people affected, that automated decisions are being made responsibly and according to law,' he said. The report said the department failed to exercise discretion, which led to potentially 'catastrophic' consequences for vulnerable Aussies. NewsWire/ Nicholas Eagar Credit: NewsWire Antipoverty Centres spokesperson Kristin O'Connell urged more action, including the permanent removal of the TCF. 'It is not enough for the government to implement the Ombudsman's recommendations and move on,' she said. 'The release of this damning report is a significant moment for every person who has been subjected to compulsory activities while on a Centrelink payment and for those who have spoken up about the abuse they experienced. 'For the first time, welfare recipients may feel their experiences are being taken seriously and their lives being treated as valuable by someone in a position of power.' Greens' social services spokeswoman Penny Allman-Payne said the report should be a 'wake up call for change'. 'Despite clear warnings that the TCF is cruel and unlawful, Labor has continued to allow suspensions of payments to be used as a weapon against welfare recipients, to the benefit of so-called employment service providers who profit from poverty,' she said. 'It is clear that the TCF is an expensive hangover from a conservative government which has been heartlessly prolonged by this Labor government for far too long.' During Senate estimates in February, Ms James apologised and took full responsibility for the IT outages which resulted in the cancellations. 'I absolutely and unreservedly apologise on behalf of the department that we cannot have full confidence in this system delivering what it's intended to deliver,' she said. 'It's not acceptable, and it is my responsibility and not the minister's (Murray Watt), in this respect, although he may wish to add his own commentary but I will say that I am responsible, legislatively and administratively, for overseeing this process.' At the time her comments resulted in welfare advocates calling for a half to the TCF framework, with Australian Council of Social Service chief executive Cassandra Goldie lashing the system as 'overly punitive and in need of a complete overhaul'.
The Citizen
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
‘Tired of empty promises': Residents protest over tariff hikes
Some roads in Thembisa have been blocked as residents take to the streets in a service delivery protest over recent electricity tariff hikes. The protest, began at midnight, has caused traffic disruptions in parts of the township, with residents vowing to continue until their demands are addressed. Motorists have raised concerns that if unrest continues, major routes such as the R21 may be affected. The protest follows weeks of frustration in the community over increased electricity tariffs and poor service delivery. On July 20, a community meeting hosted by Thembisa ward councillors at Rabasotho Community Centre ended abruptly after residents rejected the meeting, demanding the presence of senior City of Ekurhuleni officials to provide answers on tariff increases implemented from July 1. Residents, supported by the Tembisa Community Forum (TCF), insisted they would only engage if the MMC for Finance and MMC for Energy attended, saying previous explanations from councillors were insufficient. Also read: Thembisa residents reject new electricity tariffs, demand action The meeting descended into commotion and was shut down before discussions could formally begin, with residents warning they would take to the streets if their concerns were not addressed by Monday. 'We needed the relevant officials present,' said TCF chairperson Lelenkie Lefakane. 'Residents wanted clarity on why tariffs have increased, but officials failed to show up. We have launched a petition to scrap these tariffs, which have become a heavy burden.' Ward councillor representative Thabang Jiyane explained that the imposed tariffs came from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) without consultation with local councillors. Many households have reported deductions of R126 from their prepaid electricity purchases since July 5, leaving families without power. Also read: City clarifies fixed charges and electricity tariffs for 2025/2026 'These tariffs were never discussed with us, and many households are left without electricity while struggling with rising costs,' Jiyane said, adding that councillors would take the matter up at their meeting on July 31. During Saturday's disrupted meeting, residents claimed over 6,000 homes in Thembisa were without electricity due to disconnections, while areas such as Maokeng Street remain without power. Community members have accused the City of prioritising revenue collection while failing to deliver basic services. Traffic authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution and avoid affected routes in Thembisa while monitoring the situation. This is a developing story. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Scoop
15-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Telecommunications Industry To Review Scam Prevention Code With Consumer Focus
The New Zealand Telecommunications Forum (TCF) today announces it will commence with a review of its Scam Prevention Code. Since its inception, the Code has played a key role in improving the sector's response to preventing scams and anti-scam sector collaboration. The purpose of the Code is: To reduce the volume of scam calls and scam SMS, stopping them as close as possible to the source. Coordinate sharing of scam call and scam SMS information within the sector and with other third parties. Minimise the risk of harm to New Zealand consumers from scams. Define how retail providers, network operators and A2P SMS partners identify and communicate scam calls and SMS with each other. To educate consumers on scam awareness and protections. The Code ensures telecommunications providers have in place mechanisms to detect, verify, block, and report suspected scam activity. Alongside the telecommunications providers signatories there are currently nine non-telecommunications organisations who have signed a memorandum of understanding to the Scam Prevention Code, including most of the major New Zealand banks and key government agencies. This agreement enables non-telecommunications organisations to submit scam SMS and call notifications to telecommunications providers for investigation who can then take action to block messages that may harm New Zealand consumers. As scam tactics evolve and consumer harm persists, the TCF has committed to reviewing the Code to ensure it is still fit for purpose and incorporates the new anti-scam initiatives that telecommunications providers are implementing today. 'The Scam Prevention Code has helped create a robust framework for industry-wide cooperation. But scams are becoming more sophisticated, and the impacts on everyday New Zealanders are increasing,' says Paul Brislen, Chief Executive of the TCF. 'This review will ensure we maintain a high standard of technical response, while also strengthening the Code's accessibility and relevance to consumers.' The review will focus on incorporating feedback from the Ministerial roundtable that has been set up to coordinate activity between industry, law enforcement and government. The TCF plans to also review consumer education and reporting mechanisms to better support public awareness and response to scams. Hon Scott Simpson, Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the Government's lead anti-scam Minister, says: 'Combatting scams is a joint effort, requiring strong collaboration between all the players in the 'scam ecosystem'. It's essential that New Zealanders feel safe and confident when using telecommunications services, and I welcome the Telecommunications Forum's proactive steps to align industry action with the needs and expectations of consumers.' The revised Code will be developed with a view to engaging more closely with digital platforms – a key partner in the fight against scams. 'Enhanced cross-sector coordination is essential to counter the increasingly complex scam landscape. By sharing insights, intelligence, and best practices across sectors, the TCF aims to build a more unified national response that better protects New Zealand consumers from harm,' says Paul Brislen.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Core banking is about to become really cool': Rangachari
The financial industry is at a turning point. Emerging technologies, evolving regulations, and shifting customer expectations demand bold leadership. That was a key takeaway of Temenos' TCF25 in Madrid. Banking has witnessed many a turning point in the past 30 years or so. The 1990s witnessed mass liberalisation of banking regulation. Then there was the abolition of interest rate controls and of barriers to the entry of foreign banks. The rise of non-bank competitors and a reduction in state ownership and in politically directed loans, often at concessionary rates, followed. The period following the financial crisis of 2007-2009 was another turning point. The digital drive including the mass adoption of mobile banking was another such turning point. And now the rise of emerging technologies such as AI, evolving regulations, and shifting customer expectations represents another genuinely transformative turning point. There are few, if any, more impressive and significant vendor-run annual banking conferences than Temenos' celebrated Community Forum. The latest event attracted over 1,400 C-level executives, decision-makers, and industry pioneers and it remains an annual highlight of the conference circuit. Not for the first time, in the 20 years or so of regular attendance, one was left with the impression that TCF was bigger and better than ever before. One highlight was a discussion with Sai Rangachari, Temenos' Chief Product Officer. His appointment, back in January, was a high-profile hire as he leads the development of Temenos' solutions and defines the company's overall product strategy. It was also a headline-grabbing appointment given his track record. His CV includes over 20 years of experience and an in-depth knowledge of the US financial landscape from start-ups to leadership roles in Tier 1 US banks and leading vendors. As Managing Director at JPMorgan, he led the bank's digital channels platform and open banking strategy. At FIS, as Chief Product Officer for Banking and Payments, he spearheaded cloud banking initiatives and growth in the payments business. During his time at Capital One, he launched next-generation digital origination and servicing platforms increasing origination volumes and customer engagement. Most recently, he founded and led the product and technology function at Tandym, a digital payment wallet provider. Rangachari has enjoyed a ring side seat during past industry turning points. He argues that AI and emerging technologies go far beyond the ability to offer increased efficiency and cost savings, new revenue opportunities, improved risk management, greater personalisation and increased customer engagement. 'This is a paradigm and a mindset shift. In the past, banks have always talked about efficiencies, and what we're hearing from our clients this time is different. Previously, it was all about say, how can I go from 10 steps in loan origination to seven steps so I can cut off two hours of processing or two days. Take it from seven days to maybe, one day or two days. Now the conversation really is about, how do I eliminate those steps so I can have more real time functionality? So even from an efficiency perspective, the vision and the asks and the conversations have gotten way bolder than before in terms of what they want as outcomes. 'With the power of AI and what it is able to enable, I think we're just scratching the surface, but it's getting started. The other thing that's really happened and we saw this with mobile is that people are using AI to advance their daily productivity, their non-professional life productivity. So, when they come into work, the expectations are changing quite a bit. The mindset is already baking in that I can eliminate these steps. I can automate, I can become a superhuman.' AI's potential to be truly transformative was highlighted in a number of key sessions during TCF25, such as the presentation from Srinivasan Seshadri of HCLTech. It does rather boost Temenos' credentials as sector leaders when it can draw on high profile and longstanding tier one clients. For example, Santander's Jose Manuel de la Chica, discussed how the bank was working with Temenos to implement AI systematically across banking functions. The head of Canada's EQ Bank, Dan Broten, explained how near-instant insights is giving it a competitive advantage thanks to innovating with Temenos Data Hub. And Marnix Tummers, IT Director for Wealth at ABN AMRO highlighted the bank's near-20-year partnership with Temenos and how the bank continued to benefit from the shared focus on innovation, co-design and customer centricity. Other key takeaways included an example of the Temenos design partner programme. Specifically, work with clients Commerce Bank and BIL. The Temenos Product Manager Copilot solution empowers the Gen AI knowhow of Microsoft and helps customer teams move from idea to product faster, with less effort and more confidence. News of the general availability of the advanced screening solution built with AI, real-time evaluation, and robust compliance frameworks, also merits a mention. With Temenos FCM AI Agent, financial institutions can detect, investigate, and prevent sanctions transgressions against global and domestic watchlists using advanced AI to reduce false positives and evaluate screening alerts in real time with augmenting human capabilities. The tool ticks a lot of boxes: it boosts customer satisfaction, reduces compliance risk and cost, increases employee productivity and boosts revenue. Specifically, Temenos says that FCM AI Agent is achieving less than 2% false positives rates against industry average false positive rates for customer screening of 5% to 8%. Super-regional US bank, Regions, completed its core transformation on the Temenos core banking platform in early 2022. At the time, Temenos' contract win from Regions represented a strategic win in such a competitive and key market. TCF25 featured a positive presentation from the top30 US bank as it shared key learnings from its journey replacing its core on Temenos SaaS. Post TCF25, Temenos again ranked the best-selling core banking provider in the IBSi sales league table, for the 20th consecutive year. It also tops the table for categories covering digital, payments, wealth and Islamic banking. So, sales remain healthy. More than that; Rangachari says that core banking is about to become 'really cool.' Core banking as 'cool' is arguably a novel concept but Rangachari makes his pitch with gusto and explains why Temenos is so well positioned to benefit. 'Now there's a cultural mindset aspect to it and as core banking providers, we're in a prime spot to enable a lot of the integrations and innovations. So, I'm really excited about the core banking space. 'The kind of demand we have seen from clients, the amount of chatter that we've seen around co-innovation has been fascinating. We are extremely motivated to co-innovate so we don't build products in silos. We are building solutions that matter for our customers.' Three standout themes dominate TCF25m namely, acceleration in the adoption of AI, continued investment in its core banking product experience and the benefits of co-innovation. Looking ahead, this turning point has some way to go when once considers just one stat from a recent Temenos survey. It highlighted that about 80% of its banking clients are experimenting with AI, but only a third of them have taken it to production. There are, says Rangachari, the early adopters, the wait and watchers and the fast and slow followers. A large number of factors are holding back some of the more cautious banks as they look for more proof in the market, especially from their peers, on what works and what are the lessons before they would do a fast follow, or a slow follow. If Temenos is to deliver on its tagline, namely, Leading Banking Forward, much depends on the success of AI initiatives such as FCM AI Agent. And then then there is Temenos AI Studio. 'We're actually beginning to partner with clients in our Temenos AI studio, where they can start creating this their own use cases, and servicing their own use cases, leveraging the same Explainable AI infrastructure that we use behind the scenes.' He says that in the past, Temenos would have conversations with customers and they would explains what Temenos needed us to build and it would say okay. But now, the vendor can provide its AI Studio so that banks have the ability to develop, customise, deploy and monitor their own models. Temenos can preload it with banking modules that the bank can start from and Temenos will provide training and support that then allow the bank to build those for themselves. Just how the initiatives announced in Madrid pan out will be hot topics for debate at future TCFs. The wise money would be not to bet against Rangachari being able to deliver. Whether core banking will ever pass muster as 'cool' is another matter entirely. "'Core banking is about to become really cool': Rangachari" was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. 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