New Child Support Agency in Hobart brings 50 jobs

Separated parents in Hobart will have improved access to the Child Support Agency with a new office being opened today by Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony.

“This office is a wonderful asset to Hobart. The new facility will not only make the Child Support Agency’s services more accessible to local clients, it will also administer the Agency’s international services. The international services area will bring 50 new jobs to Hobart, taking total staff numbers to 130.

“The international services area is responsible for the administration of around 15,000 international child support cases, involving more than 100 overseas jurisdictions. Last financial year, more than $3 million in child support payments was transferred overseas for the benefit of children.

“This new office gives separated parents in need of face to face advice the opportunity to discuss their child support issues. Making services more accessible to parents will ensure that they can get the information and support they need at the right time.

“Separation is stressful and sometimes the issues seem insurmountable. The Australian Government has been working hard towards making the Child Support Agency’s services more accessible to separated parents. This new facility is another step down this road.

“These improvements come on top of other recent developments such as the establishment of a Launceston office, co-located with Centrelink at Mowbray, and outreach services to cover other areas of the State.

“There is compelling evidence that Australian children develop best when they grow up in stable, caring, nurturing and loving environments. However, it is a fact of life that families do separate. When this happens the child’s best interests must be the highest priority.

“That is why the Government has worked tirelessly to ensure separated families have the opportunity to work through their child support responsibilities for the benefit of their children,” Mr Anthony said.