Bowdler and Rumball (Child support)

This matter concerned an application for an administrative assessment of child support by a non-parent carer, Ms. Bowdler, in relation to her grandchildren, [child names]. The application was made under section 15 of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* (Cth). The respondent, Mr. Rumball, was the father of the children. The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) affirmed the decision of the Child Support Registrar to accept Ms. Bowdler's application.

The primary legal issue before the Tribunal was whether Ms. Bowdler was an "eligible carer" for the purposes of section 15 of the Act. This required the Tribunal to determine if it was "unreasonable" for the children's parents, including Mr. Rumball, to provide them with care. The Tribunal also considered whether Ms. Bowdler met the definition of a non-parent carer under the relevant legislation.

The Tribunal reasoned that the concept of "unreasonable" in this context was not limited to situations of absolute impossibility but encompassed circumstances where providing care would be unduly burdensome or impractical. In reaching its decision, the Tribunal considered the specific circumstances of the parents, including their respective living arrangements and capacity to care for the children. The Tribunal found that the evidence supported the conclusion that it was unreasonable for the parents to provide the children with care, thereby satisfying the criteria for Ms. Bowdler to be considered an eligible carer.

The Tribunal affirmed the decision of the Child Support Registrar to accept Ms. Bowdler's application for an administrative assessment of child support.