AI Housing Approvals Could Repeat Robodebt Mistakes, Experts Warn
NSW and federal politicians are pitching AI to speed housing approvals, calling it a 'gamechanger', but experts warn it risks sidelining planners' judgement, obscuring errors and nudging decisions in unseen ways. Lessons from the Robodebt debacle show automation can do harm if rushed. Nabavi argues governments should first define the problem, address root causes (labour, finance, social housing) and adopt responsible, participatory AI design rather than pursue quick fixes.