Burridge and Carwardine (Child support)

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal considered the matter of Burridge and Carwardine concerning a dispute over child support payments. The central issue was whether there had been a change in the pattern of care for Child 1, who resided solely with the father. The mother sought to vary the existing child support assessment, alleging a significant shift in the child's living arrangements.

The Tribunal was required to determine whether the evidence presented by the mother established a material change in the pattern of care that would justify a variation of the child support assessment. Specifically, the Tribunal had to assess the reliability and sufficiency of the mother's evidence in demonstrating a sustained alteration in the child's residence and care arrangements with the father.

Member F Petrone found that the mother had failed to provide reliable evidence to support her claim of a change in the pattern of care. The Tribunal concluded that the child continued to live solely with the father, and the mother's assertions did not meet the threshold for a change in the pattern of care under the relevant legislation. Consequently, the decision under review, which affirmed the existing child support assessment, was upheld.