Perry and Newnes (Child support)

This matter concerned an appeal by the applicant, Perry, against a decision of the Child Support Registrar regarding the percentage of care for the parties' child. The respondent was Newnes. The dispute centred on whether there had been a change to the pattern of care for the child, which would affect the assessment of child support.

The primary legal issue before the Tribunal was to determine whether the applicant had established a change in the pattern of care for the child, and if so, from what date that change should take effect. This involved an assessment of the evidence presented by both parties concerning the child's living arrangements and the practical realities of the care provided by each parent.

Member R Prasad affirmed the decision of the Child Support Registrar. The Tribunal found that the evidence did not demonstrate a significant or sustained change in the pattern of care that would warrant an alteration to the existing child support assessment. The existing assessment was therefore maintained.