Australia’s infamous robodebt scandal will be explored in a new four-part drama from Lingo Pictures, for pubcaster ABC, distributed by ITV Studios.
Backed by Screen Australia, Shakedown tells the story of how a group of Australians exposed an unlawful automated debt-recovery system that falsely accused half a million people of welfare fraud. Filming begins in March.
“This series will expose the human face behind the scandal that broke trust with our government systems,” said Rachel Okine, head of scripted at ABC, “going beyond the Royal Commission findings into the individual impact and the bravery of those who fought to expose it. This is a significant story from our very recent past that needs to be told and the team behind this are one of the most experienced in the country. We will go beyond the statistics to explore those whose fight for compassion and humanity ultimately triumphed over a faceless system.”
Helen Bowden, managing director of Lingo Pictures, added: “Lingo Pictures is so proud to be making this highly emotional true story for the ABC. Between 2015 and 2019 Centrelink forced hundreds of thousands of ordinary Australians to pay A$1.8 billion dollars for debts they did not owe. People lost their life savings, their relationships and their dignity, some were driven to suicide. Audiences will be inspired by the courageous victims, activists, journalists and lawyers who fought back. Our story looks at what went wrong, how it was put right and the justice that is yet to be served.”
Louise Gough, Screen Australia’s director of narrative content, added: “Shakedown is an important story about Australia’s recent history. Led by a highly experienced creative team and rooted in factual events and experiences, Shakedown is a nuanced and thoughtful portrayal of the events and decisions that impacted thousands of Australians. This compelling drama will have audiences here and around the world riveted and spark important conversations.”
Kyas Hepworth, the head of Screen NSW, noted: “Shakedown is a timely and compelling series
that is set to spark national conversation when it releases on ABC. Screen NSW’s Made in NSW—TV Drama Fund continues to attract high-quality projects to the state and Screen NSW is thrilled to support the exceptional team at Lingo Pictures, bring this searing and important story to screen.”
