Worrell and Rowan (Child support)

This matter concerned an application by Mrs Worrell for a review of a decision by the Child Support Registrar concerning the extension of child support assessments beyond a child's eighteenth birthday. The dispute arose from the Registrar's decision to refuse Mrs Worrell's application, which she contended was based on untrue statements made by Mr Rowan and a misunderstanding of the circumstances surrounding the late lodgement of her application. The review was heard by S Letch M.

The primary legal issues before the Tribunal were whether Mrs Worrell's application to extend the child support assessment beyond her son's eighteenth birthday was made late, and if so, whether exceptional circumstances existed to permit its acceptance. Additionally, the Tribunal was required to consider the weight to be given to statements made by Mr Rowan in his objection and whether the Registrar's decision was based on accurate factual findings.

The Tribunal found that Mrs Worrell's application was not, in fact, late, as she had taken steps to lodge it prior to the child's eighteenth birthday, and its disappearance was due to administrative issues rather than her own delay. Even if it were considered late, the Tribunal was satisfied that exceptional circumstances were present, particularly the ongoing need for financial support for the child's secondary education, including school fees and living expenses. The Tribunal noted that the Registrar's decision appeared to have been influenced by unsubstantiated claims made by Mr Rowan, which were not supported by evidence.

The Tribunal set aside the decision under review and substituted it with a decision accepting Mrs Worrell's application for an extension of the child support assessment.