Child Support Scheme

Question

1. Was the OfW consulted or provided any advice on the Child Support Scheme reforms to make it safer and more effective for all families? a. Who requested the advice? b. When was the advice requested, and when was the advice provided? 2. Did the OfW meet with the Minister regarding the policy? a. How many times did the OfW meet with the Minister? b. Please provide the dates of those meetings. 3. Did the OfW attend any interdepartmental meetings, or work with other departments regarding the policy? a. How many times did the OfW attend these meetings? b. Please provide the dates of those meetings. 4. According to the Women's Budget Statement, as of 31 March 2026, there was $2 billion of debt within the Agency Collect system, and this figure doesn't account for outstanding debt amongst parents who manage payment and collection of child support payments in the Private Collect system. Did the OfW provide any advice around a solution to this? 5. Has the OfW made any recommendations to the Minister on how we can better tackle the weaponisation of the Child Support Scheme? a. Please provide the recommendations. Has the OfW made any recommendations on how to best embed safety by design in Commonwealth systems to protect vulnerable women and children? a. Please provide the recommendations.

Answer

Please see the attached answer.

Documents

• Question with answer (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
• 0869.pdf (opens in a new tab)