Hartline and Diehr (Child support)

This matter concerned an application by the father, Mr. Hartline, for a departure determination under the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* (Cth) to vary the child support payable for his two children. The application was heard by the Child Support Registrar and subsequently reviewed by the Child Support Appeals Tribunal.

The primary legal issue before the Tribunal was whether the financial resources of the receiving parent, Ms. Diehr, were fairly represented in the administrative assessment of child support. Mr. Hartline contended that Ms. Diehr possessed significant financial resources that were not adequately accounted for in the assessment, thereby justifying a departure from the standard assessment.

The Tribunal considered the evidence presented regarding Ms. Diehr's financial position, including her income and assets. It found that the administrative assessment had indeed fairly reflected Ms. Diehr's financial resources. Consequently, the Tribunal determined that no ground for departure existed under the relevant provisions of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* (Cth).

The Tribunal affirmed the decision under review and refused Mr. Hartline's application for a departure determination.