The Federal Government will spend $182 million over four years overhauling Australia's child support system, the largest reform to the scheme since it was created. The changes target more than $1.9 billion in unpaid child support and aim to stop parents using the system as a tool for financial abuse.
This comes off the back of a 2025 Commonwealth Ombudsman report, ‘The Weaponisation of Child Support’, which found that perpetrators were using the scheme to inflict financial abuse on former partners.
The new laws are planned to commence on 1 July 2027, subject to passing Parliament.
Key Reforms
Removing mandatory information sharing
When a parent looks to access child support, their detailed financial information may currently be passed to the other parent. For a survivor, that can mean giving an abuser access to their personal information. Part of the reforms will look to stop this information from being shared.
International travel bans for debts over $10,000
The reforms also expand on departure prohibition orders as a compliance measure. Parents who owe more than $10,000 in child support will be issued an international travel ban, barring them from leaving Australia until their debt is resolved.
ATO tracking
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will also receive extra resources as part of the reforms to track parents who don't lodge tax returns or hide their income.
If you need assistance with a child support matter, contact our office on (02) 6152 0493 to arrange a fixed fee appointment with one of our family lawyers.
