Just over a year ago we wrote the blog post below about parents who had not paid their child support, being stopped at the border and not allowed to leave Australia until they dealt with their child support debts.
Well, it’s in the news again.
Recent media reports indicate that the Department of Human Services is increasing the number of travel bans issued:
1067 international travel bans in the first half of this financial year, an increase of almost 50% above the first half of 2018.
Human Services Minister Michael Keenan was quoted as follows:
“The government’s message to parents is simple, if you can afford an overseas holiday, then you can afford to support your children.
“That should be your first priority, not jetting off for a break in a foreign country.”
However, based on discussions we have seen on social media, there is a misconception that the millions of dollars of unpaid child support that has been recouped, all goes to the parent who was owed the money. There is a perception amongst some that the parent has had a windfall gain.
That’s a myth we want to dispel.
When debts like this are collected, there is the maintenance liability, plus interest, plus penalties. The parent who is owed the child support receives the child support maintenance liability. The government takes the rest (although they can do a deal to waive penalties and interest or a portion of them).
So, someone who has waited years to be paid their child support, doesn’t get the interest on that, but has still had to pay the other parent’s share of caring for the children.
That’s something to think about….
hi thanks for the information
Thanks – glad it was of assistance!
awesome posts