Child Support (Assessment) (Minimum and Fixed Annual Rates) Notice 2025

Overview

The Child Support (Assessment) (Minimum and Fixed Annual Rates) Notice 2025 was enacted to address the need for updated annual rates of child support applicable from the calendar year 2026. This legislative instrument was introduced pursuant to section 155(1) of the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989, setting the minimum annual rate of child support at $551 and specifying the annual rate for low-income parents not on income support at $1,825 as outlined in subsection 65A(2). The objective of this notice is to ensure that child support payments reflect current economic conditions and provide an adequate basis for supporting children, thereby achieving the policy goal of supporting children's welfare through fair and consistent assessment of parental financial contributions. The notice was signed by David Hazlehurst, the Child Support Registrar, on 28 November 2025.

Scope and Application

The Child Support (Assessment) (Minimum and Fixed Annual Rates) Notice 2025 applies to all individuals and entities involved in child support assessments for periods beginning in the calendar year 2026. It establishes the minimum annual rate of child support and sets a fixed annual rate for low-income parents not on income support, as outlined under the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989. The notice sets the minimum annual rate at $551 and specifies a fixed annual rate of $1,825 for the particular category of low-income parents. This notice is a Commonwealth instrument and thus applies nationally across Australia, ensuring uniformity in the rates used in child support assessments. It does not explicitly exclude any particular groups or entities, but its application is contingent on the specific conditions of the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989. The notice may be further elaborated or amended through subordinate legislation, which can provide additional details or adjustments to the rates specified.

Key Provisions

The Child Support (Assessment) (Minimum and Fixed Annual Rates) Notice 2025 sets forth the minimum and fixed annual rates of child support applicable to all periods beginning in the calendar year 2026. Under section 155(1) of the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989, the minimum annual rate of child support is stipulated as $551 (paragraph 1). Furthermore, for low-income parents not on income support, the annual rate specified in subsection 65A(2) is $1,825 (paragraph 2). These rates serve as the baseline and fixed amounts for child support calculations within the designated period. This Act imposes specific obligations on the parties involved in child support assessments. The Child Support Registrar, in this case David Hazlehurst, is mandated to notify the public of these rates under section 155(1). Parents and guardians are expected to comply with these rates when making or receiving child support payments. Additionally, the Act requires that these rates be used as the basis for determining the amount of child support due for the specified period. This ensures consistency and fairness in the assessment of child support obligations. The legislation outlines potential consequences for non-compliance with the specified rates. While the Notice does not explicitly detail offences, penalties, or consequences for breach, the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989 generally provides for enforcement mechanisms. These may include the imposition of fines or other penalties for failure to comply with child support obligations. The maximum penalties for breaches of child support laws can vary, but they are designed to ensure that support payments are made as required by law. Failure to adhere to these provisions can lead to legal action, which may result in significant civil or criminal repercussions for the offending party.