ABC Upfronts 2026 | Shakedown gripping new drama exploring the human cost of the Robodebt scandal – The ABC, Lingo Pictures and Screen Australia are proud to announce Shakedown, a powerful four-part drama that brings to life the untold human stories behind one of the most shocking political scandals in Australian history.
From the producers of After the Party, Shakedown is the gripping true story of how a group of ordinary Australians risked it all to expose an unlawful automated debt-recovery system that falsely accused half a million people of welfare fraud.
With filming set to commence in March 2026, this searing drama is set to reveal how a courageous coalition of victims, activists, journalists, and lawyers fought back against a government and bureaucracy that refused to listen – uncovering what’s been described as Australia’s greatest miscarriage of justice.
Shakedown is their story.
ABC Head of Scripted, Rachel Okine said:
“This series will expose the human face behind the scandal that broke trust with our government systems. 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.”
Managing Director of Lingo Pictures, Helen Bowden said:
“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 $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.”
Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said:
“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.”
Head of Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth said:
“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.”
Shakedown will air on ABC TV and ABC iview in 2026.
Discover a range of compelling and must-watch dramas on ABC iview now.
Production credit: Shakedown is produced by Lingo Pictures, part of ITV Studios, for the ABC with major production funding from the ABC and Screen Australia. Financed with support from Screen NSW. Lingo Executive Producers: Helen Bowden and Jason Stephens.
Produced by Linda Micsko. Written by Blake Ayshford, Magda Wozniak and Sophie Miller. Directed by Jennifer Leacey. ABC Executive Producers: Brett Sleigh and Rachel Okine. Shakedown is produced in association with and distributed internationally by ITV Studios.
Media Release – ABC
Link to ABC iview HERE
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ABC Upfronts 2026 | Shakedown gripping new drama exploring the human cost of the Robodebt scandal
