What do you do with my information?

The CSA is dedicated to ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of its customers.

The information requested by CSA is needed for child support purposes and is required by child support law. We don’t pass your personal information on to the other parent, unless this is required by law or necessary to make a decision that would affect the other parent. At no time would we provide a parent with the other party’s contact details.

Some information may be passed to Centrelink, the Australian Taxation Office, the Family Assistance Office or the Social Security Appeals Tribunal. The CSA may provide your contact details to people contracted by us to deliver services to separated parents, or to carry out research to help improve our services. You are not obliged to participate in any programs or research.

Our guidelines on privacy are in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988. For more information about how we treat your personal information, see the Guide on the CSA’s website at www.csa.gov.au. For more information about the Privacy Act and privacy generally, see the Privacy Commissioner’s website at www.privacy.gov.au

Have CSA staff been informed about the changes?

CSA’s service delivery team will be provided with specific information prior to the changes taking effect. This will ensure that all staff understand the changes to the Family Law Act and the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989 and Child Support (Registration & Collection) Act 1988, and can provide you with professional and appropriate service.

CSA recognises you and your children have the right to be treated with dignity and respect and without discrimination. The CSA’s approach is outlined in the Our Service Commitments which can be found on the Human Services website www.humanservices.gov.au.

What about other government services and entitlements?

These legislative changes remove discrimination against same–sex couples in most Commonwealth laws. They provide recognition in all financial matters for members of same–sex couples in areas such as social security, taxation, Medicare, veterans’ affairs, workers’ compensation, educational assistance, superannuation, family law and child support. For more information please visit www.ag.gov.au

Where can I get support?

Information on support groups for same–sex couples and their families is available in the CSA’s Community Service Directory on our website www.csa.gov.au and by calling 131 272.

Scenario: Lisa and Brooke
Lisa and Brooke have been living together in a de facto relationship for seven years. They have been the foster parents for a little boy, Josh and after having Josh in their care for three years, they successfully apply to adopt Josh as Western Australian laws allow same–sex couples to adopt as a couple.

Lisa and Brooke’s relationship breaks down and they decide to separate. Josh lives with Lisa and Brooke has care every second weekend. They organise to pay their child support privately and the arrangement works smoothly for over 18 months.

Things get difficult between Lisa and Brooke following a disagreement over the care of Josh. Lisa decides to apply to the CSA for child support. During her application the Child Support Officer recommends that Lisa and Brooke visit a Family Relationship Centre to discuss their relationship and sends Lisa a copy of Me and My Ex, a support product developed by the CSA.

With the help of the FRC Lisa and Brooke communicate better and eventually work out a private arrangement for child support and care arrangements to suit both of them. This ensures Josh is receiving financial and emotional support from both of his parents.

For more information about changes you need to tell CSA about, visit the website www.csa.gov.au

Are you a Centrelink customer?

If you have told CSA about changes in your circumstances, you also need to let Centrelink know as well. Call Centrelink on 136 150*.

For further information and help

Call CSA on 131 272*
Call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450*
Visit the CSA website www.csa.gov.au

Other CSA resources:

To order free CSA publications visit www.csa.gov.au or freecall 1800 040 972 (charges apply to mobile and public phones).

The Australian Government Services Fraud tip–off line

The Australian Government Services Fraud tip–off line provides people with a place to report suspected fraud against Centrelink, Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme or the Child Support Agency. If you have information about someone who is mis–using government services, call 131 524*.
* Call charges apply.

Do you need interpreting help?

If you don’t speak English and need help from CSA, ring the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.

CSA 4188.03.09