Steele and Stott (Child support)

This matter concerned an application for a departure determination under the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* (Cth) brought by the applicant, Steele, against the respondent, Stott. The dispute centred on whether the child support assessment should be varied due to the income, property, and financial resources of the child. The decision was made by Senior Member Dordevic in the Child Support Special Powers.

The court was required to determine whether a ground for departure from the child support assessment was established, specifically in relation to the child's own financial resources. If a ground for departure was found, the court then had to consider whether it was just and equitable to depart from the assessment and, if so, what departure would be in accordance with the child support principles.

Senior Member Dordevic found that a ground for departure was established due to the significant income and financial resources available to the child. The court reasoned that the existing assessment did not adequately reflect the child's capacity to contribute to their own support, given these resources. Applying the principles of the Act, the court concluded that it was just and equitable to depart from the assessment.

The decision to depart from the child support assessment was set aside and substituted with a new determination that reflected the child's financial capacity.