Notice of the AWE amount (Average Weekly Earnings) for Child Support Purposes

Overview

The Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989 was enacted to address the issue of providing financial support for children from separated or divorced parents. This Act was developed to ensure that children receive adequate financial support, thereby reducing the burden on government welfare systems and promoting the welfare of children in separated families. Enacted by the Commonwealth Parliament, the Act aims to establish a systematic and fair method for calculating child support payments. It sets out the framework for assessing the income of parents and determining the appropriate level of child support based on that income. This notice, signed by the Secretary of the Department of Social Services, Kathryn Campbell, indicates the average weekly earnings (AWE) amount for the specified quarter, which is crucial for the calculation of child support assessments under the Act.

Scope and Application

The Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989 applies to individuals and entities involved in the assessment and payment of child support in Australia, including parents, guardians, and the Department of Social Services. This Act is designed to provide a framework for calculating child support liabilities and ensuring that children receive adequate financial support from their parents. The application of this Act extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, affecting all states and territories uniformly. Notably, the Act includes provisions that allow for the exclusion of certain income or deductions under specific circumstances, but it does not specify any particular exemptions or thresholds within this notification. The Act’s scope can be further refined and detailed through subordinate instruments such as regulations or rules, which may address specific procedural or administrative aspects not covered in the principal Act. This particular notice from the Secretary of the Department of Social Services, Kathryn Campbell, indicates the Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) amount for the specified quarter, which is a key component in the assessment of child support liabilities under the Act.

Key Provisions

The Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989, as notified by Kathryn Campbell, the Secretary of the Department of Social Services, outlines several key provisions that impact the calculation of child support. Section 155(2A) specifies the notice requirements, with Section 58AA(1) defining the AWE amount, which is the Average Weekly Earnings used to determine child support obligations. In this case, the AWE amount for the quarter ending 31 December 2017 is $1,191.70. This amount serves as a baseline figure for calculating the financial responsibilities of parents towards their children's upbringing. The Act imposes specific obligations on the parties involved, primarily the parents or guardians responsible for child support payments. Under this legislation, parents are required to contribute to the financial support of their children based on their income and the circumstances of both the child and the paying parent. The calculation of these contributions takes into account the AWE amount, which helps standardise the assessment process. This ensures that child support payments are fair and reflect the earning capacity of the supporting parent. Failure to comply with the obligations set out in the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989 can result in serious consequences. The Act outlines various offences and penalties for non-compliance, which can include both civil and criminal sanctions. For instance, wilful failure to provide information or making false statements can lead to fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. The maximum penalties for these offences are specified within the Act, providing a clear framework for enforcement and deterrence against non-compliance. These measures are designed to ensure that child support obligations are met and that children receive the necessary financial support for their welfare and development.