Pritchard and Gofton (Child support)

The case of *Pritchard and Gofton* concerned a dispute over the percentage of care for a child, which impacts child support assessments. The primary decision-maker had erroneously identified a decision made by the Family Assistance Office as the basis for the care assessment. The matter came before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review.

The Tribunal was required to determine whether the primary decision-maker had correctly assessed the percentage of care for the child, and whether the responses from Services Australia to previous Tribunal orders were appropriate. The central legal issue was the proper application of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* in determining care arrangements and the subsequent child support liability.

The Tribunal found that the primary decision-maker had made an error by conflating the role of the Family Assistance Office with the assessment of care percentages under the child support legislation. It was held that the Registrar, not the Family Assistance Office, is responsible for making these determinations. Consequently, the Tribunal set aside the original decision and remitted the matter back to the Registrar for redetermination according to law.