Child Support Registrar & Higgins and Anor

The Child Support Registrar sought an extension of time and permission to adduce further evidence in two appeals brought by Higgins and another party. The registrar filed the applications on 22 June 2015 and 26 June 2015, respectively. The appeals pertained to decisions made by Judge Burchardt on 31 January 2013, 21 May 2013, and 29 September 2014. The primary legal issues the court had to decide were whether the registrar was entitled to an extension of time and permission to adduce further evidence, and whether the orders made by Judge Burchardt should be upheld or set aside.

The court considered the registrar's arguments for the extension of time and the admissibility of the new evidence. It was noted that the registrar had a legitimate reason for the delay in filing the applications, and the new evidence could potentially alter the outcome of the appeals. The court found that the registrar had acted diligently and that the new evidence was relevant and material. Consequently, the court granted the registrar's applications for an extension of time and permission to adduce further evidence. Furthermore, the court allowed both appeals, setting aside the orders made by Judge Burchardt.

In the decision, the court outlined the reasoning for allowing the appeals and setting aside the orders. It was determined that Judge Burchardt had erred in his interpretation of certain provisions and had not considered all relevant evidence. The court found that the registrar's interpretation of the law was more accurate, and the new evidence provided by the registrar was compelling. As a result, the orders made by Judge Burchardt were set aside, and the registrar's appeals were allowed.

The court's final orders were that the registrar's applications for an extension of time and permission to adduce further evidence be granted, leave to appeal be granted, both appeals be allowed, the orders made by Judge Burchardt be set aside, and each party bear their own costs of and incidental to each appeal.