Feecham and Lusane (Child support)

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) considered the matter of Feecham and Lusane concerning a dispute over child support payments. The applicant, Feecham, sought to challenge a decision made by the Registrar of the Child Support Agency regarding the assessment of child support. The core of the dispute revolved around whether there had been a significant change in the pattern of care for the subject child, which would warrant a revocation of pre-existing care percentages.

The Tribunal was required to determine whether the evidence presented established a material change in the pattern of care since the last assessment. Specifically, the AAT had to assess if the care arrangements had shifted to such an extent that the previously determined percentages no longer accurately reflected the actual care provided by each parent. This involved a factual inquiry into the day-to-day living arrangements and the responsibilities undertaken by Feecham and Lusane in relation to the child.

Member H Moreland affirmed the Registrar's decision, finding that the applicant had not discharged the onus of proving a material change in the pattern of care. The Tribunal applied the principles established under the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988*, which require a substantial and sustained change in the care arrangements to justify a revocation of existing percentages. The evidence did not demonstrate that the care provided by Feecham had increased to a level that would necessitate a reassessment of the child support liability.