Child Support in Australia
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Commonwealth Acts of Parliament, federal regulations, and official government guidance. State-level information reflects each state's own Acts and court decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Child support in Australia runs under the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989, administered by Services Australia. The principle is simple: both parents are financially responsible for their children. The execution is a formula.
The amount is calculated using a formula based on each parent's taxable income, the government's tables of the cost of raising children, the percentage of care each parent provides, and the number of children. Higher income pays more. Parents who provide more than 35% of care get a reduction in what they pay.
The assessment uses each parent's adjusted taxable income minus a self-support amount (tied to roughly one-third of male total average weekly earnings) — so each parent keeps enough to cover their own basic living costs before contributing.
You can run child support through Services Australia for assessment and collection, or you can make a private arrangement. Parents who agree can lock in a different number through a binding child support agreement or a limited child support agreement. Child support generally continues until the child turns 18 or finishes secondary school (whichever comes later, up to the end of the school year they turn 18).
When does it apply?
Child support applies when:
- Parents are separated (whether they were married, de facto, or never in a relationship).
- A child is under 18 years old (or still in secondary school in the year they turn 18).
- The child is a citizen or resident of Australia, or at least one parent is an Australian resident.
- Either parent can apply for an assessment through Services Australia.
What to Do If Child Support Is Not Being Paid in Australia
- Apply for a child support assessment through Services Australia (Child Support) — you can do this online or by phone.
- Choose collection method — Services Australia can collect from the other parent's wages ("collect" arrangement) or you can collect privately ("private collect").
- Keep your income details up to date — if your income changes significantly, notify Services Australia for a new assessment.
- Apply for a change of assessment if there are special circumstances — for example, high costs for a child with a disability or high contact costs due to distance.
- Consider a binding or limited agreement if you and the other parent can agree on a fair amount.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't refuse to pay — Services Australia has strong enforcement powers including tax refund interception, departure prohibition orders, and court enforcement.
- Don't underreport income — Services Australia can investigate and use amended assessments based on estimated income.
- Don't link child support to parenting time — paying or not paying child support does not affect your right to see your child, and vice versa.
- Don't ignore a child support assessment — arrears accumulate and can be recovered even years later.
Use the jurisdiction bar at the top of the page to pick your state — you'll see how state law differs from Australian federal law.
6 states available
Common Questions
When does child support apply?
Child support applies when:Parents are separated (whether they were married, de facto, or never in a relationship).A child is under 18 years old (or still in secondary school in the year they turn 18).The child is a citizen or resident of Australia, or at least one parent is an Australian resident.Either parent can apply for an assessment through Services Australia.
What should I do if the other parent is not paying child support in Australia?
Apply for a child support assessment through Services Australia (Child Support) — you can do this online or by phone.Choose collection method — Services Australia can collect from the other parent's wages ("collect" arrangement) or you can collect privately ("private collect").Keep your income details up to date — if your income changes significantly, notify Services Australia for a new assessment.Apply for a change of assessment if there are special circumstances — for example, high costs for a child with a disability or high contact costs due to distance.Consider a bindin...
What mistakes should I avoid with child support?
Don't refuse to pay — Services Australia has strong enforcement powers including tax refund interception, departure prohibition orders, and court enforcement.Don't underreport income — Services Australia can investigate and use amended assessments based on estimated income.Don't link child support to parenting time — paying or not paying child support does not affect your right to see your child, and vice versa.Don't ignore a child support assessment — arrears accumulate and can be recovered even years later.
Child Support in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.