Question Time AU

Bill

Child Support and Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Ending Financial Abuse in the Child Support Scheme No. 1) Bill 2026

Debated Thursday 17 September 2026

Debate items
1
Chambers
House of Representatives
Votes
0

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

  1. Thursday 17 September 2026 · House of Representatives

    Second Reading

    The Minister for Social Services introduced the bill to address financial abuse and safety risks within the child support system. The legislation aims to close loopholes that allow parents to harass former partners, hide income, or avoid payments, which has resulted in a significant backlog of unpaid support. Key reforms include giving Services Australia discretion to refuse harmful applications, protecting sensitive personal information, and preventing unfair Family Tax Benefit debts for parents in private arrangements. The bill also facilitates direct international applications for child support and allows paying parents to move to agency collection. The debate was adjourned following the Minister's speech.

    Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

    Read the full summary

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