austlii:cth/FedCFamC1F/2025/401
General information, not legal advice.
FedCFamC1F
2025-06-19
Original judgment source is linked above.
APPLICATION FOR DEPARTURE ORDERS FROM THE CHILD SUPPORT ASSESSMENT MADE BY THE CHILD SUPPORT ASSESSMENT AGENCY
(1) A liable parent or a carer entitled to child support may, in respect of an administrative assessment of child support for a child, apply to a court having jurisdiction under this Act for an order under this Division in relation to the child in the special circumstances of the case if:
(b) both of the following apply:
(i) the liable parent or carer entitled to child support is a party to an application pending in a court having jurisdiction under this Act;
(ii) the court is satisfied that it would be in the interest of the liable parent and the carer entitled to child support for the court to consider whether an order should be made under this Division in relation to the child in the special circumstances of the case; or
(c) in the case of a liable parent - the administrative assessment of child support payable by the liable parent for the child is made under subsection 66(1).
I certify that the preceding five hundred and seventy-one (571) numbered paragraphs are a true copy of the Reasons for Judgment of the Honourable Deputy Chief Justice McClelland.
Annexure "A"
Father's Proposed Final Orders
PARENTING
Parental Responsibility
From the commencement of these Orders
2.1. In week 1: from 8.00am (on a non school day) or after school to 6.00pm Thursday;
2.2. In week 2: from 8.00am (on a non school day) or after school to 6.00pm Thursday and from 9.00am (on a non school day) or after school Friday to 2.00pm Sunday.
Upon the commencement of school term 1 in 2026
2.3. In week 1: from after school or 3.00pm to 6.30pm Thursday;
2.4. In week 2: from after school or 3.00pm Friday to before school or 9.00am on Monday.
Upon the commencement of school term 3 in 2026
2.5. In week 1: from after school or 3.00pm to 6.30pm Thursday;
2.6. In week 2: from after school or 3.00pm Thursday to before school or 9.00am on Monday.
Upon the commencement of school term 1 in 2027 and thereafter
2.7. In week 1: from after school or 3.00pm to 6.30pm Thursday;
2.8. In week 2: from after school or 3.00pm Wednesday to before school or 9.00am on Monday.
During term 1, 2 and 3 school holidays
4.1. The child shall spend time with the Father in the first half of all school term holidays in even numbered years and each alternate year thereafter and with the Mother for the second half of all those holidays.
4.2. The child shall spend time with the Father in the second half of all school term holidays in odd numbered years and each alternate year thereafter and with the Mother for the first half of all those holidays.
During Term 4 Summer school holiday until the X turns 6
4.3. The child shall spend week about time with the parties with the first 7 consecutive nights commencing on the first day of the summer holiday with the father and alternating each week for the remainder of the term 4 holiday.
For all school holidays thereafter
4.4. The child shall spend time with the Father in the first half of all school holidays in even numbered years and in alternate years thereafter and with the Mother for the second half of all those holidays;
4.5. The child shall spend time with the Mother in the first half of all school holidays in odd numbered years and in each alternate year thereafter and with the father for the second half of all those holidays.
Changeover
6.1. With the Mother from 9.00am Christmas Eve to 3.00pm Christmas Day in even numbered years and every alternate year thereafter; and
6.2. With the Father from 3.00pm Christmas Day to 7.30pm Boxing Day in even numbered years and every alternate year thereafter; and
6.3. With the Father from 9.00am Christmas Eve to 3.00pm Christmas Day in odd numbered years and every alternative year thereafter; and
6.4. With the Mother from 3.00pm Christmas Day to 7.30pm Boxing Day in odd numbered years and every alternate year thereafter.
21.1. Notice in writing not less than 60 days prior to departure advising of the intention to travel; and
21.2. Not less than 14 days prior to the proposed departure provide
21.2.1. A copy of return airline tickets
21.2.2. A copy of the itinerary, including:
21.2.3. Accommodation details when away;
21.2.5. agreed times when the travelling party will make the child available to communicate with the other party by telephone/skype.
Annexure "B"
Father's Amended Minute of Final Property Orders Sought
PROPERTY
Property Adjustment
Costs in relation to the Respondent's Interim Application filed 21 October 2022
8. Except as specifically provided for by any Order to the contrary:
8.1. The Applicant shall indemnify the Respondent from and in respect of all actions, claims, suits and demands as may be made against the Respondent in relation to all liabilities in the name of the Applicant.
8.2. The Respondent shall indemnify the Applicant from and in respect of all actions, claims, suits and demands as may be made against the Applicant in relation to all liabilities in the name of the Respondent.
9. Each party retains their respective superannuation.
11. That the Respondent pay the Applicant's costs of and incidental to these proceedings.
1.1. The parties lived in a de facto relationship between January 2020 and 12 August 2021;
1.2. The child X born in 2020 (X) is a child of the de facto relationship;
1.3. The Respondent made substantial contributions of the kind referred to at sections 90SM(4)(a),(b) and (c) of the Act.
2. That pursuant to Section 90SM of the Act:
2.1. That within 7 days of the date of this Order the Applicant and Respondent do all such acts and sign all such documents necessary to pay the entirety of the funds held in Broun Abrahams Burreket Lawyers ACN ... ITF Ms Quint & Mr Beeston Controlled Monies Account (BSB ... account number ...97) to the Respondent.
2.2. That within 42 days of the date of this Order the Applicant pay to the Respondent such further cash sum as is necessary for the Respondent to receive 50% of the combined net property and superannuation of the parties.
2.3. That within 28 days of the date of this Order:
2.3.1. The parties do all acts and things necessary to close the joint CBA COIA account #...64 and pay the funds held in that account to the Respondent;
2.3.2. The Applicant do all act and things and sign all documents necessary to transfer his interest in all shares held by him in the Commsec Share portfolio account #...42 to the Respondent;
2.4.1. the Applicant hereby indemnifies the Respondent from and in respect of all actions, claims, suits and demands as may be made against the Respondent in relation to all liabilities in the name of the Applicant;
2.4.2. the Applicant hereby indemnifies the Respondent from and in res claims, suits and demands as may be made against the Applica liabilities in the name of the Respondent; and
2.4.3. the Applicant and Respondent shall be solely entitled to the excl to all property and chattels of whatsoever nature and kind ownership or control of each party as at the date of this Order including but not limited to superannuation entitlements.
5.1. Periodic child support to the Respondent for the child in the sum of $1, 1221 per week; and
5.2. Non-periodic child support expenses in respect of the child as and when they fall due or within 14 days of being provided with receipts by the Respondent as follows:
5.2.1. All costs associated with the child's attendance at AA Child Care or such other pre-school agreed to in writing by the parties
5.2.2. All costs associated with her attendance at AD School or such other school agreed to by the parties in writing from Kindergarten 2026 onwards including but not limited to tuition fees, building levies, uniforms, excursions and school camp costs, and co-curricular activity costs;
5.2.3. All private health insurance premiums necessary to maintain private health insurance for the child at the existing level or on a different plan but at a level of cover not less than equivalent to that provided for under the current private health insurance policy;
5.2.4. Any gap medical, dental, orthodontic, hospital, physiotherapy, podiatry, psychiatric or other medical specialist fees or expenses in respect of the child which are not covered by Medicare and/or the child's private health insurance policy.
9. That the child spend time with the Applicant as follows:
9.1. That from the date of these Orders until the child commences at 3 day a week preschool at AA Child Care in January 2025:
9.1.1. Each Wednesday from 8.15am to 4.30pm, provided the Applicant is not working and available to care for the child and if he is not available to care for her from 3pm until 6:30pm;
9.1.2. Each alternate weekend from 8: 15am Saturday until 12pm Sunday;
9.2. That from when the child commences 3 days a week at AA Child Care until 2 November 2025:
9.2.1. Each Wednesday from after preschool (or 3pm if not at pre-school) until 6:30pm;
9.2.2. Each alternate weekend from 8:15am Saturday until 12pm Sunday;
9.3. That from 2 November 2025 until 2 November 2026 during school term time the child spend time with the Applicant as follows:
9.3.1. Each alternate weekend from 8:15am Saturday to 6pm Sunday;
9.4. That from 2 November 2026 to 2 November 2027 during school term time the child spend time with the Applicant as follows:
9.5. That from 2 November 2027 onwards during school term time the chil spend time with the Applicant as follows:
9.5.1. Each alternate Wednesday from after school to 6:30pm;
9.5.2. Each alternate weekend from after school on Thursday (or 3pm if a non-school day) to 6pm Sunday;
9.6. During school holiday periods once the child commences at school as follows:
9.6.1. For Term 1, 2 and 3 2026 school holiday periods:
(a) For 2 periods of 2 days (including 1 overnight) commencing at
8: 15am on day 1 and concluding at 6pm on day 2, with such periods to be agreed between the parties and failing agreement on the first weekend and last weekend of the holiday period;
9.6.2. For the 2026/2027 Christmas school holiday period:
(a) For 4 periods of 2 days (including 1 overnight) commencing at
8:15am on day 1 and concluding at 6pm on day 2, with such periods to be agreed between the parties and failing agreement on the first weekend of the school holiday period and each alternate weekend thereafter;
9.6.3. From 2027 onwards for the Term 1, 2 and 3 school holiday periods:
(a) For 2 periods of 3 days (including 2 overnights) commencing at
8:15am on day 1 and concluding at 6pm on day 3, with such periods to be agreed between the parties and failing agreement on the first weekend and last weekend of the holiday period;
(a) For 4 periods of 3 days (including 2 overnights) commencing at 8:15am on day 1 and concluding at 6pm on day 2, with such periods to be agreed between the parties and failing agreement on the first weekend of the school holiday period and each alternate weekend thereafter;
9.7. On the child's birthday for 3 hours as agreed by the parties in writing and failing agreement from after school (or 3pm if a non-school day) to 6pm;
9.8.1. If it falls on a weekday for 3 hours as agreed by the parties in writing and failing agreement from after school (or 3pm if a non-school day) to 6pm;
9.8.2. If it falls on a weekend as agreed by the parties in writing and from 9am to 4pm.
9.9. On Father's Day as agreed by the parties in writing and failing agreement from 9am to 4pm;
9.10. On Christmas Day as agreed by the parties in writing and failing agreement from 8am to 12pm;
10.1. on Mother's Day as agreed by the parties in writing and failing agreement from 9am to 4pm.
10.2. In January 2025 when the Respondent is permitted to travel to Country AH with the child on the basis that the Respondent provide to the Applicant not less than 14 days prior to the proposed travel copies of return airline tickets, itinerary and contact details for the duration of the holiday.
14.1. Communicating with each other in a respectful and courteous manner and minimising any conflict, particularly in the presence of the child; and
14.2. Allowing for sufficient time, as appropriate, to comfort the child, and for the child to say goodbye to each parent upon the commencement and conclusion of her time with the father.
21. That each of the parties be and hereby are restrained from:
21.1. denigrating or criticising the other or discussing these proceedings in the presence or hearing of the child and from permitting the child to remain in the presence or hearing of another person denigrating the other parent;
21.2. assaulting, harassing, threatening or intimidating the other parent and/or each of the children;
21.3. consuming alcohol in excess of a blood alcohol concentration exceeding the maximum limit in order to legally drive on public roads in New South Wales when the child is in their presence and for 24 hours before the child is spending time them in accordance with these Orders.
21.4. using any prohibited drugs during the period the child is in their care or for 72 hours prior to the child being in their care.
21.5. administering any form of physical discipline to the child and/or administering any physical conduct that restrains the child's movement in any way, or permitting any third person from doing so.
24. That the Applicant pay the Respondent's costs of and incidental to these proceedings.
[1] Father's written submissions filed 24 September 2024, paragraphs 17.1-17.13.
[2] Father's written submissions filed 24 September 2024, paragraph 17.3.
[3] Father's written submissions filed 24 September 2024, paragraph 17.4.
[4] Father's written submissions filed 24 September 2024, paragraph 17.6.
[5] Mother's affidavit filed 23 April 2024, paragraph 327.
[6] Father's written submissions filed 24 September 2024, paragraphs 17.17 and 17.24-17.25.
[7] Father's affidavit filed 9 April 2024, Annexure "MRB-16".
[8] Father's written submissions filed 24 September 2024, paragraphs 17.30-17.50.
[9] Father's written submissions filed 24 September 2024, paragraphs 17.59-17.74.
[10] Father's written submissions filed 24 September 2024, paragraphs 17.67-17.69.
[11] Father's written submissions filed 24 September 2024, paragraphs 17.82-17.84.
[12] Father's written submissions filed 24 September 2024, paragraphs 17.120-17.121.
[13] Father's written submissions filed 24 September 2024, paragraphs 17.127-17.129.
[14] Father's written submissions filed 24 September 2024, paragraphs 17.135-17.136.
[15] Mother's written submissions filed 9 October 2024, paragraph 24.
[16] Mother's written submissions filed 9 October 2024, paragraph 29.
[17] Mother's written submissions filed on 9 October 2024, paragraphs 28-30.
[18] Mother's written submissions filed 9 October 2024, paragraphs 55.1-55.3.
[19] Mother's written submissions filed 9 October 2024, paragraph 55.4.
[20] Mother's written submissions filed 9 October 2024, paragraph 55.5. Transcript 11 July 2024, p.208 line 32 to p.209 line 10.
[21] Mother's written submissions filed 9 October 2024, paragraph 55.6.
[22] Mother's written submissions filed 9 October 2024, paragraph 55.8-55.8.6.
[23] Transcript 10 July 2024 p.135 line 43 to p.136 line 8; See also father's affidavit filed 9 April 2024, paragraphs 152-157 and father's affidavit in reply filed 30 April 2024, paragraph 67.
[24] Transcript 11 July 2024, p.208 line 32 to p.209 line 10.
[25] Transcript 11 July 2024, p.211 lines 12-28.
[26] Transcript 12 July 2024, p.308 lines 34-47.
[27] Father's affidavit filed 9 July 2024, paragraphs 5-6.
[28] Transcript 10 July 2024, p.109 line 26.
[29] Transcript 10 July 2024, p.185 lines 8-35.
[30] Transcript 10 July 2024, pp.180-183.
[31] Transcript 10 July 2024, p.154 lines 27-38.
[32] Transcript 12 July 2024, p.263 lines 5-9.
[33] Transcript 11 July 2024, p.239 lines 16-17.
[34] Father's written submissions filed 24 September 2024, paragraphs 17.120-17.131.
[35] Father's written submissions filed 24 September 2024, paragraph 10.
[36] Transport Commissioner (Tas) v Neale Edwards Pty Ltd [1954] HCA 21; (1954) 92 CLR 214 at 233; Beaumaris Football Club v Hart and Bayside City Council v Hart [2017] VSCA 226 (Osborn, Beach and Kaye JJA) at [93].
[37] Father's written submissions filed 24 September 2024, paragraph 13.
[38] Mother's affidavit filed 8 July 2024, paragraphs 4-6. See also Dr AM's Single Expert Report dated 5 June 2024, paragraph 63.
[39] Mother's affidavit filed 23 April 2024, paragraph 92.
[40] Transcript 10 July 2024, p.92 lines 31-32.
[41] Transcript 10 July 2024, p.107 lines 44-46.
[42] Mother's affidavit filed 8 July 2024, paragraph 38.
[43] Affidavit of Ms AC filed 23 April 2024, paragraph 8.
[44] See Expert Report by Dr AM dated 27 June 2024, paragraphs 159-160.
[45] Transcript 30 July 2024, p.663 lines 43-45.
[46] Transcript 30 July 2024, p.666 line 7.
[47] Transcript 30 July 2024, p.666 lines 15-20.
[48] Expert Report of Dr AM dated 5 June 2024, paragraph 157.
[49] Re W (Children) [2012] EWCA Civ 528 at [11]. See also Laurence v Ross at [137].
[50] Transcript 10 July 2024, p.106 lines 34-36.
[51] Transcript 10 July 2024, p.154 lines 12-22.
[52] Transcript 10 July 2024, p.100 lines 31-33.
[53] Transcript 11 July 2024, p.225 lines 1-4.
[54] Transcript 12 July 2024, p.262 lines 25-28.
[55] Transcript 12 July 2024, p.256 lines 19-26.
[56] Transcript 12 July 2024, p.259 lines 24-26.
[57] Father's written submissions filed 24 September 2024, paragraph 20.
[58] Father's written submissions filed 24 September 2024, paragraph 17.13. See also Mother's affidavit filed 23 September 2024, paragraph 151.
[59] Zao & Lee [2019] FamCAFC 169 at [48].
[60] Bevan & Bevan [2013] FamCAFC 116; (2013) FLC 93-545; Schaars & Schaars [2023] FedCFamC1F 12 at [21].
[61] Dickons & Dickons (2012) 50 Fam LR 244 ("Dickons") at [24] and [26]. See also Jabour & Jabour [2019] FamCAFC 78; (2019) FLC 93-898 ("Jabour") at [86].
[62] Dickons at [20] citing Aleksovski v Aleksovski [1996] FamCAFC 111; (1996) FLC 92-705 at 83,437.
[63] Norbis & Norbis [1986] HCA 17; (1986) 161 CLR 513 ("Norbis") at 522 (Mason and Deane JJ), as applied in Clives and Clives [2008] FamCAFC 172; (2008) FLC 93-385 at [41], [44]-[45].
[64] Franklin & Franklin [2010] FamCAFC 131 at [177] (Boland and Thackray JJ).
[65] Jabour at [73]-[87], as applied in Horrigan & Horrigan [2020] FamCAFC 25 at [42]-[48].
[66] Mallet & Mallet [1984] HCA 21; (1984) 156 CLR 605 at 625 (Mason J); Teal & Teal [2010] FamCAFC 120 at [36] (Finn, Boland and Dawe JJ); Van der Linden & Kordell [2010] FamCAFC 157 at [90].
[67] Clauson and Clauson [1995] FamCA 10; (1995) FLC 92-595 at 81,911, as applied in Trevi & Trevi (Re-exercise) [2019] FamCAFC 51 at [48].
[69] T & T [2000] FamCA 314; (2000) FLC 93-023 at [114].
[70] Petruski & Balewa [2013] FamCAFC 15; (2013) 49 Fam LR 116 at [49], citing Lovine & Connor [2012] FamCAFC 168; (2012) FLC 93-515 at [40]-[41].
[71] Dickons at [14]-[22]; Jabour at [31]-[87]; Dovgan & Dovgan [2021] FamCA 306 at [347].
[72] While the mother's proposed Minute of Order refers to account #...64, the balance sheet refers to account #...54. It appears that the balance sheet reflects the correct account number.
A County Council v LW [2020] EWCOP 50
Beaumaris Football Club v Hart and Bayside City Council v Hart [2017] VSCA 226
F v M [2021] EWFC 4
F v M [2025] EWHC 621 (Fam)
Mallet & Mallet (1984) 156 CLR 605; [1984] HCA 21
McDonough v The Queen [2021] NTCCA 9
Norbis v Norbis (1986) 161 CLR 513; [1986] HCA 17
Stanford v Stanford (2012) 247 CLR 108; [2012] HCA 52
Yewen & Child Support Registrar (2014) 290 FLR 366; [2014] FCCA 2399
(1984) 156 CLR 605
(1986) 161 CLR 513
(2014) 290 FLR 366
(2008) 40 Fam LR 273
(2012) 50 Fam LR 244
(2021) 62 Fam LR 190
(2012) 247 CLR 108
(1954) 92 CLR 214
(2013) 49 Fam LR 116