Burwick and Layley (Child support)

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) considered the dispute between Burwick and Layley concerning the particulars of an administrative assessment of child support. The core of the disagreement related to the estimated income of one of the parties, which formed the basis of the child support assessment.

The Tribunal was required to determine whether the estimated income used in the child support assessment was reasonable and properly made, and consequently, whether the administrative assessment should be affirmed or set aside. The central legal issue was the application of the relevant provisions of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* (Cth) concerning the estimation of a party's income when actual income details are not readily available or provided.

In its reasoning, the Tribunal applied the principles governing administrative assessments of child support, particularly where a party fails to provide necessary information. The Tribunal affirmed the decision under review, finding that the estimate of income used in the assessment was reasonable and had been properly accepted by the Child Support Registrar. The Tribunal was satisfied that the Registrar had acted within their powers in making the assessment based on the available information.