Newman and Pascoe and Anor (SSAT Appeal)

This matter concerned an appeal from a decision of the Social Security Appeals Tribunal (SSAT) regarding child support. The appeal was brought by the appellant, who did not attend the court hearing. The respondents sought costs.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether to dismiss the appeal due to the appellant's default of appearance. Ancillary issues included the discharge of a stay on a child support assessment and applications for costs by the respondents.

Judge Scarlett dismissed the appeal, affirming the SSAT's decision. The court reasoned that the appellant's failure to attend the hearing, without explanation or prior application for adjournment, constituted a default. Consequently, the court discharged the previously ordered stay on the child support assessment and dismissed the enforcement summons and all other outstanding applications. The court ordered the appellant to pay the first respondent's costs fixed at $6,949.00 and the second respondent's costs fixed at $6,408.00, both payable within one month.