Media Release
Almost 150,000 separated parents update their details ahead of the Child Support Scheme Reforms
1 February 2008
The Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, has thanked the large number of Australia’s separated parents who have updated their child support care details.
“The Child Support Agency (CSA) sent a letter to around 1.5 million parents who are registered with the CSA late last year asking them to check the information it has about their care arrangements for their children. The letter also asked parents to provide details of any other children the CSA may need to know about,” said Senator Ludwig.
“This information is required for child support assessments under the new Child Support Scheme, which will commence on 1 July 2008 and uses a new formula to assess child support payments,” said Senator Ludwig.
“Up until the end of December 2007 almost 10% or 146,903 parents updated their details via mail, phone and the internet.”
Senator Ludwig said, “The CSA is now ensuring its records reflect the actual number of nights parents care for their children, or their percentage of care, as this will be assessed in a different way under the new formula.”
The new Reforms, which affect all separated parents, were passed in Parliament in 2006 and 2007 and have been implemented in three stages over two years. The new formula will be introduced as part of the third and final stage on 1 July 2008.
“The CSA and Centrelink need the correct customer care, income and contact information to ensure children receive the right support in line with the research that identifies the costs of children and to make sure parents are assessed to pay or receive the correct amount of child support and family assistance.”
“Separated parents across Australia will receive their new child support assessments between March and mid-May this year, well before the new Scheme starts on 1 July,” Senator Ludwig said.
Parents who did not receive their care letter last year should contact the CSA on 1300 885 437. Parents only need to respond to the letter if the information in it is not correct.
More information about the Child Support Scheme reforms can be found at www.csa.gov.au/schemereforms.
Media Contact: Barb Barrett—0448 469 787.