Rasnick and Mapother (Child support)

This matter concerned an application for an extension of time to lodge an application for review of a child support assessment. The applicants, Rasnick and Mapother, sought to extend the time within which they could apply for a review of a decision made by the Child Support Registrar concerning the percentage of care for their child. The decision under review had determined the percentage of care from a specific date.

The primary legal issue before the Tribunal was whether there were "special circumstances" that justified granting an extension of time for the lodgement of the review application. The Tribunal was required to consider the relevant factors and principles governing the exercise of discretion to grant such an extension, particularly in light of the existing care determination and its date of effect.

The Tribunal affirmed the decision to grant an extension of time, finding that special circumstances existed. In reaching this conclusion, the Tribunal considered the reasons provided for the delay in lodging the review application and the potential prejudice to the parties. The Tribunal then proceeded to revoke the existing care determination and set aside the decision under review, substituting it with a new decision.