Amendments contained in the Child Support Legislation Amendment Bill 1998 due to come into effect on 1 July 1998 have been delayed due to pressure of business in the Senate.
The amendments seek to improve the Child Support Schemes flexibility, provide greater equity, and more regular financial child support to children.
The Government is very strongly committed to these reforms which underscore the principle that children are the financial responsibility of their parents and that the Government should not seek to intrude unnecessarily in peoples lives.
The Bill will be debated in the Senate at the earliest opportunity.
Assessments for the following financial year are currently being sent to parents. New assessments will be sent when the Bill passes the Senate.
The Government will introduce an amendment to the Bill in the Senate to include a new start date with the aim of ensuring that the measures will come into effect this year.
29 June 1998
Contact:
Penny Farnsworth
(02) 6277 7360