Caretaker message

Before an election, the Australian Government assumes a caretaker role. Limited updates will be made to this site in line with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions.

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.

11.6.3 Offences involving a failure to comply with a requirement of the legislation

Context

The CSRC Act requires parents (1.1.P.10) to notify the Registrar about certain events. A parent who fails to notify may be committing an offence.

Act references

CSRC Act section 23, section 33, section 34, section 111

Requirement to notify the Registrar about certain events

Failure to comply with the following obligations is an offence under the CSRC Act:

  • A payer (1.1.P.40) or payee (1.1.P.30) must notify the Registrar of the creation or variation of a maintenance liability by a court (9.2.1) (section 23, section 33 and section 34).
  • A payer of an enforceable maintenance liability must notify the Registrar within 14 days of commencing employment (section 111(1)).
  • A payer or payee must notify the Registrar within 14 days of changing their name or address (section 111(2)).

A failure to comply with these obligations is punishable on conviction by a fine of up to 10 penalty units (see 11.6.7 for penalty unit amount) (section 23(7), section 33(2), section 34(2) and section 111(3)).

If the person gave the Registrar the information as soon as it was reasonably practicable after the event (section 111(4)), or after becoming aware of the event (section 23(8), section 33(3) and section 34(3)), this would be a defence against prosecution under these provisions.

Last reviewed: