Greaves and Child Support Registrar (Child support)

This matter concerned an application for an extension of time to appeal a decision of the Child Support Registrar, brought before Member S Letch. The applicant, Greaves, sought to challenge a decision made by the Registrar, with the primary dispute revolving around the Registrar's refusal to grant an extension of time for Greaves to lodge an objection to a child support assessment.

The central legal issue before the Member was whether to grant an extension of time for Greaves to lodge an objection to the child support assessment. This required the Member to consider the principles governing the exercise of discretion to grant such extensions, particularly in circumstances of a very short delay.

The Member reasoned that the discretion to grant an extension of time should be exercised liberally, especially where the delay is minimal and there is an arguable case. Applying this principle, the Member found that the delay in lodging the objection was very short and that Greaves had an arguable case. Consequently, the Member determined that it was appropriate to grant the extension of time.

The Member ordered that the decision of the Child Support Registrar be set aside and that Greaves be granted an extension of time to lodge an objection to the child support assessment.