Child Support Guide Updates - 2011

16 December 2011

Chapter Title Summary of update
2.1.3 Parentage Updated to clarify the meaning of cohabitation and adoption.
2.6.16 Reason 10 - responsibility of the parent to maintain a resident child Updated to clarify consideration of Family Tax Benefit payments. Other parts of the chapter made clearer.
4.1.2 Decisions made under the Assessment Act to which a parent may object Updated with a link to Chapter 5.5.4
6.2.3 Information gathering powers under the Assessment Act Updated with a link to Chapter 6.3.4
6.2.4 Information gathering powers under the Registration and Collection Act Updated with a link to Chapter 6.3.4
6.7.1 Methods of service Content added on service by electronic communication

25 November 2011

Chapter Title Summary of update
2.4.2 Formula tables and values Updated with 2012 basic values including 2012 costs of children table and 2011 AWE amount.
2.4.11 Fixed annual rate of child support for certain low income parents Updated with 2012 fixed annual rate.
2.4.12 The minimum annual rate of child support Updated with 2012 minimum annual rate.

11 November 2011

Chapter Title Summary of update
2.2.1 Basics of care Updated to reflect that from 1 July 2010 care periods start from the date of event.
2.2.9 Alignment of care between CSA and the Family Assistance Office (from 1 July 2010) Added the process to follow where care changed before 1 July 2010 and CSA was notified of the care change after 1 July 2010 where notification occurred more than 28 days after event.
2.6.9 Reason 3 - high costs of caring for, educating or training the child in the manner expected by the parents Updated to clarify:

  • when costs are significant;
  • the taking into account of any Education Tax Refunds; and
  • the extension of a parent's expectation for the child to attend a similar type of secondary school as the primary school
5.1.3 Date a liability first becomes enforceable Updated to reflect correct legislative references to section 28.
5.3.2 Offsetting debts between payers and payees Content added to clarify:

  • CSA can pursue collection when a debt offset is in place;
  • debt offsets cannot be reversed; and
  • the outcome where a debt offset is in place and the liability is later varied causing a payee overpayment
6.1.2 and 6.1.3 Delegation of powers and authorisation to make decision on another's behalf The child support delegation and authorisation instruments have been updated to reflect leadership changes from 31 October 2011.
6.6.2 Gaining access to documents Updated to reflect changes to the freedom of information legislation.