Media Release
22 May 2008
New Child Support assessments mail-out ends
The general mail-out to separated parents affected by the changes to the Child Support Scheme has ended, completing the groundwork for a new, more balanced system of child support.
Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, said around 1.5 million separated parents and more than 1.1 million children are affected.
“Since the start of March, separated parents across Australia have been receiving new details about how much child support they will pay or receive after July 1,” Senator Ludwig said.
As at 18 May 2008, 715, 899 new assessments had been issued.“This represents 97.5% of all active cases,” Senator Ludwig said.
“Some parents, including some with complex arrangements or where CSA does not have accurate information about their circumstances, are still to receive their assessment. But this will occur before 1 July 2008.”
“This is the first time the Child Support Scheme has undergone significant transformation since its creation 20 years ago.”
“The new scheme aims to meet the best interests of children, reduce conflict between parents and ensure child support is paid in full and on time.”
Between 3 March 2008 and 18 May 2008, CSA received 153, 946 calls relating to the new assessment notices and the new scheme.
In the period 14 March 2008 to 16 May 2008, there were 71 direct customer complaints received about scheme reforms made directly by customers to CSA Complaints Resolution Officers.
“Parents should check the details of their new child support assessment carefully and advise the CSA of any concerns,” Senator Ludwig said.
“The Child Support Agency is gathering and analysing the information it has received through customer complaints.”
The most significant change being introduced is a new formula used to calculate child support payments.
“It’s a more balanced way of working out child support and a better reflection of the cost of raising children,” Senator Ludwig said.
“It treats both parents’ incomes equally and takes into consideration the level of care parents provide for their children.”
CSA is keen to identify and address any customer concerns relating to the new scheme and encourages customers to contact CSA if they have questions about their new child support assessment.
Customers who have not received their new assessment should update their contact details with the CSA by calling 1300 885 437.
Separated parents can view detailed information about the new scheme, and obtain an estimate of their child support and family assistance payments using the online Child Support-Family Assistance estimator, on the CSA website www.csa.gov.au/schemereforms.
More than 100,000 people have accessed the online estimator since it became available on the CSA website at the end of February.
Advertising has begun to ensure separated parents who haven’t received a new assessment are aware of the changes and can get engaged with them. For information about the new Child Support Scheme visit the CSA website www.csa.gov.au/schemereforms.
Background on Separated Parents and Eligible Children by State, April 2008
| State | Separated parents registered |
Eligible Children |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | 440,539 | 340,514 |
| Vic | 319,344 | 244,665 |
| Qld | 323,671 | 246,254 |
| SA | 117,182 | 87,740 |
| Tas | 39,618 | 31,445 |
| ACT | 21,365 | 15,599 |
| WA | 143,806 | 107,378 |
| NT | 14,637 | 10,824 |
| International | 69,169 | 39,442 |
| Unknown | 215 | 99 |
| TOTAL | 1,489,546 | 1,123,960 |
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