Media Release
Friday 24 October, 2006
No longer partners but parents forever on Universal Children's Day
In the lead-up to Universal Children’s Day (25 October 2006), the Child Support Agency has welcomed the new figures that indicate improved co-operation between separated parents.
"CSA General Manager Matt Miller said new figures show more than half of CSA-registered parents privately transfer money between themselves for their children without CSA involvement - an increase of 13 per cent in the past 10 years.
“The increasing number of parents who transfer child support themselves is a good sign that parents are working together post separation for the benefit of their children,” Mr Miller said
“This shows that separated parenting in Australia is a positive and harmonious process for the majority of parents who can work together after separation to financially and emotionally support their children,” Mr Miller said.
“Universal Children’s Day is a day of activity promoting the welfare of children – their health, education and protection. Child support payments help to achieve these goals in separated families.
“Research shows that children will do better at school, have better social skills and are less likely to get into trouble where both parents play a positive role in their children's lives," he said.
“CSA’s approach is to encourage separated parents, wherever possible, to assume full responsibility for managing child support obligations.”
Mr Miller said the CSA also provided targeted services to help parents cope financially and emotionally with issues around separation.
“CSA has great free resources available from www.csa.gov.au to help separated families manage their finances and family relationships after separation.
“And CSA refers parents to Family Relationship Centres and other support services to help them better manage communication and deal with conflict when potential issues arise.”
Mr Miller said parents choosing to transfer privately (called Private Collect) still need to register with the CSA. The parent receiving child support payments can apply for the CSA to become involved again later if the need arises.
For bookings or more information call 131 272 and ask for an appointment at Goulburn outreach.
Media contact: (07) 3001 4603; 0419 448 306
Media enquiries should be directed to media@csa.gov.au
