Quill and Jordan (Child support)

This matter concerned an application for a departure determination under the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* (Cth) brought by the liable parent, Mr Quill, against the child support assessment made in favour of the payee parent, Ms Jordan. The dispute centred on whether the liable parent's income, property, and financial resources warranted a departure from the assessed child support amount. The decision was made by Senior Member S De Bono in the [relevant tribunal or court].

The primary legal issue before the court was whether the liable parent had established a ground for departure from the child support assessment, as contemplated by section 117 of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988*. Specifically, the court had to determine if the liable parent's actual financial circumstances, including their income, property, and financial resources, were such that the assessment did not make adequate or proper provision for the child.

The court considered the evidence presented regarding the liable parent's income and financial resources. It was found that the liable parent had deliberately reduced their assessable income by engaging in arrangements that diverted income to other entities. The court applied the principle that a parent cannot deliberately reduce their income to avoid child support obligations. The court concluded that a ground for departure was established due to the liable parent's conduct in manipulating their financial position.

The court affirmed the decision to depart from the assessment, finding that the liable parent's actions had created a situation where the standard assessment did not reflect their true capacity to pay child support. The specific orders made regarding the revised child support amount were not detailed in the provided text.