Issues

The Child Support scheme was introduced in Australia in 1988 to try to ensure that both parents remained responsible for their children even if they didn't live together.The scheme underwent a major reform in 2006, with substantial changes being made to the way child support is calculated and divided between households.

Our major objection to the new system, and one which we've received a lot of feedback on,  is splitting the child support so that 24% of the total payable goes to the non-residential household commencing at an average of only 1 night per week care. We do not feel this reflects how the actual costs of children are met, which is generally from the residential household, and will therefore result in greater disadvantage for children.

It is important to remember that child support is a payment for children - not spousal maintenance

 The Child Support Agency administers the government's Child Support Scheme. Their website contains a lot of useful information about issues other than child support, and is well worth a look for all sole parents.As well as information on child support, the Child Support Agency has a lot of help for separated and separating parents and their children.Their "Me and My ..." series give advice on

• how to move forward
• parenting from a distance
• financial management
• forming a workable relationship with your ex-partner

There is also a family separation guide for teenagers

The Agency also runs a staying connected program for organisations who employ a number of people who pay child support. This helps all those involved to understand how child support works, what it is for, and how to stay connected with their children although they don't live with them.

The Child Support Agency can be contacted by phoning 131 272 (local call charge) from anywhere in Australia

Complaints about the Child Support Agency

If you have a complaint about the way you have been treated by the Child Support Agency, or about the way they have made their decisions, you can call them on 132 91. 

If you are still not happy, you can make a complaint to the Ombudsman or call 1300 362 072 MOnday - Friday 9am - 5pm (AEST)

More on child support:

Sole Parents Union has been funded by the Federal Government to provide information about child support, particularly the recent changes to the system. If you have any issues with child support please let us know. Your feedback helps us to help you.