Originally, Child Support Applications were dealt with by the Family Courts.
In 1987, the Federal Government established the Child Support Agency to deal with the calculation and collection of child support.
The Child Support Agency calculates the child support payable by one party to the other based on the income of each spouse, and the arrangements in relation to the care of the children.
In certain circumstances, the parties can agree on a written child support agreement that binds the parties.
If one party refuses or fails to make payments, the Child Support Agency has the power to collect the child support by, for example, garnisheeing wages, or working in conjunction with the Australian Tax Office to deduct amounts from tax refunds.
Certain pay outs, such as personal injury settlements, are not exempt from Child Support Agency collection.