The former prime minister was the social services minister who brought the proposal for the debt recovery scheme to cabinet ahead of its implementation in 2015.
Dutton told 2GB there was an expectation people “either serve out their full term or go to a byelection” depending on the circumstances.
“My judgment has always been for former prime ministers, to pay them respect and do that wherever it’s possible, I think it’s a decision ultimately for the individual,” he said.
“He’ll make the decision that’s right for him.”
The report found Morrison “took the proposal to cabinet, knowing that it involved income averaging and that his own department had indicated that it would require legislative change, but on the basis of the contrary indication in the NPP checklist, proceeded without enquiring as to how the change had come about”.
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The robodebt scheme ran for four-and-a-half years, from July 2015 to November 2019, during which time $1.73 billion in unlawful debts were raised against more than 400,000 people.
A class action lawsuit over the scheme was settled for $1.2 billion in 2020.
A further $721 million in wrongly issued debts was repaid.
Robodebt victims told of being pushed to the brink of suicide after being chased by debt collectors.
Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.
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