The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.1.3 Child support legislation

Context

The child support scheme is administered under 2 Acts of Parliament. The first Act is the CSRC Act. It was formerly the Child Support Act 1988. This Act:

  • established the child support scheme on 1 June 1988, and
  • provides for the registration, collection and enforcement of child support liabilities, including court orders and court registered agreements for child and spousal maintenance, and from 1 October 1989, of administrative assessments of child support.

The second Act is known as the CSA Act. This Act:

  • implemented administrative assessment of child support in accordance with a formula, and
  • took effect from 1 October 1989.

Last reviewed: