Sedgemore and Child Support Registrar (Child support)

This matter concerned an appeal by Sedgemore against a decision of the Child Support Registrar. The dispute arose from the Registrar's refusal to grant an extension of time for Sedgemore to lodge an objection to a departure determination made under the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* (Cth). Sedgemore contended that the objection had been submitted within the relevant timeframe and therefore an extension of time was not required.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether the Registrar had erred in refusing to grant an extension of time for Sedgemore to lodge an objection, or alternatively, whether the objection had been lodged within the statutory time limits, thereby rendering the extension request unnecessary. The court was required to consider the provisions of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* concerning the timeframes for lodging objections to departure determinations.

The court found that Sedgemore's objection had been lodged within the period prescribed by the Act, meaning that an application for an extension of time was not necessary. Consequently, the Registrar's decision to refuse an extension of time was based on a misapprehension of the facts. The court determined that the objection was validly lodged and should have been considered on its merits.

The court set aside the Registrar's decision refusing the extension of time and substituted an order that the objection be accepted for consideration.