Knapp and Child Support Registrar (Child support)

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal considered an appeal by Knapp against a decision of the Child Support Registrar to refuse an extension of time to lodge an objection. The Registrar’s refusal was based on the applicant’s failure to provide a reasonable explanation for the delay in lodging the objection.

The Tribunal was required to determine whether the Registrar’s decision to refuse the extension of time was correct. Specifically, the Tribunal had to assess whether Knapp had provided a reasonable explanation for the delay, whether the objection had arguable merit, and whether granting an extension would cause significant prejudice to the Child Support Registrar or the other parent.

The Tribunal found that Knapp had provided a reasonable explanation for the delay, noting that the applicant had experienced significant personal difficulties. Furthermore, the Tribunal concluded that the proposed objection had arguable merit, as there were grounds to question the assessment. The Tribunal also determined that granting the extension would not cause significant prejudice to the other parent or the wider public interest. Consequently, the Tribunal set aside the Registrar's decision and substituted it with a decision to grant the extension of time.