“Debts and Disappointment: Mothers’ Experiences of the Child Support System” outlines the key issues surrounding the Australian child support system, which was introduced in 1988/89 to address child poverty following parental separation. The system was designed to ensure that non-resident parents, primarily fathers, contributed to their children’s upbringing, thus reducing the financial burden on the government.

However, despite 30 years of operation, the system still has significant shortcomings. The survey highlighted that many mothers experience confusion and frustration due to “loopholes” that paying parents use to avoid or minimize their payments, leading to financial distress and economic abuse. Women reported feeling let down by the system and burdened by the complexities of navigating it, especially when it fails to enforce compliance effectively.

Key insights from the survey show that many mothers struggle with the system’s bureaucracy, face emotional and financial challenges, and are often left with unpaid child support, resulting in hardships for both the mothers and their children. Issues of non-payment lead to economic insecurity, impacting children’s education, healthcare, and overall well-being. The executive summary suggests that while the system aims to support families, there is significant room for improvement, particularly in addressing child support debts and enforcing payments.

Read the Report