Ministerial Taskforce Report on Child Support Released

The report of the Ministerial Taskforce on Child Support was publicly released today.

The Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson, said that the report was received by the Government earlier this month and will be given careful consideration by the Government before it responds.

“There has often been heated debate surrounding child support and arguments about inequities within the existing Child Support Scheme,” said Senator Patterson.

“The Howard Government established an expert Taskforce on Child Support in August 2004 chaired by Patrick Parkinson, Professor of Law at the University of Sydney, and Chairperson of the Family Law Council, to take a considered look at this emotionally charged issue.

“I would like to thank the Taskforce for the hard work and dedication they have shown in the preparation of this report on the Child Support Scheme.

“The Review of the Child Support Scheme is part of the Government’s response to the recommendations of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Family and Community Affairs report, ‘Every Picture tells A Story’.

“It builds on biggest ever investment in the Family Law System that was announced in last months Budget.

“This investment of nearly $400 million in the Family Law System will put in place a network of 65 Family Relationship Centres around Australia and will considerably expand the Family Relationship Services Program.

“The Howard Government recognises the impact of family breakdown on hundreds of thousands of Australian children each year as well as the wider community” said Senator Patterson.