Tranter and Harlan (Child support)

This matter concerned an appeal by the liable parent, Mr Tranter, against a departure determination made by the Child Support Registrar. The determination, which was affirmed by the court, related to the assessment of child support payable by Mr Tranter to Ms Harlan for the benefit of their child.

The primary legal issue before the court was whether the Child Support Registrar had erred in making a departure determination under section 117 of the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* (Cth). This involved considering whether the liable parent's income, property, and financial resources, or those of the child, were such that the assessment of child support under the *Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989* (Cth) would be unjust and inequitable.

The court affirmed the Registrar's decision, finding that the liable parent possessed significant income, property, and financial resources that were not adequately reflected in the standard assessment. The court applied the principles of the *Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989* (Cth), particularly those relating to departure from the ordinary assessment provisions, to conclude that the liable parent's financial capacity warranted a departure determination to ensure a just and equitable outcome for the child. The court was satisfied that the liable parent had the capacity to pay a higher amount of child support than that determined by the standard assessment.