Jasper and Child Support Registrar (Child support)

This matter concerned an appeal by Jasper against a decision of the Child Support Registrar concerning child support payments. The dispute centred on the assessment of Jasper's child support liability.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether the Registrar had correctly assessed Jasper's child support liability, specifically in relation to the imputation of income. Jasper contended that the Registrar had erred in imputing income to him at a rate higher than his actual earnings, and that this imputation was not justified under the relevant provisions of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* (Cth) or the *Child Support Assessment Act 1989* (Cth).

In reaching its decision, the court considered the principles governing the imputation of income under the *Child Support Assessment Act 1989*. The court noted that imputation is a discretionary power that should be exercised judiciously and only where there is evidence to support the conclusion that a parent is intentionally under-employing themselves or failing to obtain income that is available to them. The court reviewed the evidence presented by Jasper regarding his employment history and income, and the material considered by the Registrar. The court found that the Registrar had not adequately considered all relevant factors and had made an error in the imputation of income.

The court set aside the decision of the Child Support Registrar and remitted the matter back to the Registrar for redetermination according to law.