Crandall and Keogan (Child support)

This matter concerned an appeal by the liable parent, Mr Crandall, against a departure determination made by the Child Support Registrar. The dispute centred on the Registrar's assessment of Mr Crandall's income, property, and financial resources, specifically in relation to income derived from his business, for the purposes of calculating child support. The appeal was heard by Member S Brakespeare.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether the Child Support Registrar had erred in making the departure determination. This required the court to consider whether the Registrar had correctly assessed Mr Crandall's income and financial resources, particularly in light of his business activities, and whether the departure from the standard assessment was justified under the relevant provisions of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988*.

Member S Brakespeare found that the Registrar had failed to properly consider all relevant information regarding Mr Crandall's income and financial resources, particularly the income derived from his business. The court reasoned that a departure determination must be based on a comprehensive understanding of the liable parent's financial position. Consequently, the decision under review was set aside and substituted with a new determination that more accurately reflected Mr Crandall's financial circumstances.