Bamkin and Tate (No.2)

In the matter of *Bamkin and Tate (No.2)*, Judge Scarlett of the Family Court of Australia considered applications by the parties concerning child support. The dispute centred on the appropriate method for assessing child support obligations, specifically whether an administrative assessment by the Child Support Registrar should be made.

The primary legal issue before the Court was whether to discharge a previous consent order made on 18 December 2009, which likely stipulated a private child support arrangement, and instead direct the parties to seek an administrative assessment. The Court was required to determine the best interests of the child in relation to the child support arrangements.

Judge Scarlett reasoned that the previous consent order was no longer appropriate or in the best interests of the child. The Court applied the principles of the *Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989* (Cth), which prioritises administrative assessment by the Child Support Registrar as the primary mechanism for determining child support. By discharging the consent order, the Court facilitated a formal assessment process that would ensure compliance with the legislative framework and potentially provide a more equitable outcome for the child.

Consequently, the Court ordered the discharge of the consent order of 18 December 2009. The parties were directed to forward sealed copies of the Court's orders to the Child Support Registrar with a request for an immediate administrative assessment. All other applications before the Court were dismissed.