Watton and Child Support Registrar (Child support)

The matter of *Watton and Child Support Registrar* concerned an appeal to the Federal Circuit Court of Australia regarding a decision made by the Child Support Registrar. The appellant, Mr Watton, sought to appeal the Registrar's decision concerning the assessment of child support payable for his two children.

The primary legal issue before the Court was whether the Registrar had erred in refusing to accept Mr Watton's objection to the child support assessment. Specifically, the Court was required to determine if the assessment had been made in accordance with the *Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988* (Cth) and the *Child Support Assessment Act 1989* (Cth), and whether the Registrar had properly considered all relevant information provided by Mr Watton.

In reaching its decision, the Court considered the evidence presented by both parties and the relevant legislative provisions. His Honour, Registrar Ellis SM, applied the principles of administrative law, focusing on whether the Registrar's decision was reasonable, supported by evidence, and followed the correct legal process. The Court found that the Registrar had not adequately considered certain aspects of Mr Watton's objection, particularly concerning his income and the circumstances of the children's care.

Consequently, the Court allowed the appeal, setting aside the Registrar's decision. The matter was remitted back to the Child Support Registrar with a direction to reconsider Mr Watton's objection in light of the Court's findings.