Larkin and Vinton (Child support)

The matter of *Larkin and Vinton* concerned an application for a departure determination under the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* (Cth). The applicant sought to have the assessed child support payable by the liable parent, Mr. Vinton, varied on the grounds that his income, property, and financial resources were not accurately reflected in the assessment. The decision was made by Member Y Webb of the Child Support Special Powers Division.

The primary legal issue before the Member was whether the liable parent's actual financial circumstances constituted a ground for departure from the standard child support assessment. Specifically, the Member was required to determine if Mr. Vinton possessed income, property, or financial resources that were not taken into account in the assessment, and if so, whether these circumstances warranted a departure determination.

Member Webb found that a ground for departure was established. The reasoning focused on the liable parent's income, property, and financial resources, indicating that these factors were not adequately reflected in the existing assessment. Consequently, the Member set aside the original decision and substituted it with a new determination.