The Child Support Reform Study

Sweeping changes to the Australian Child Support Scheme were recently introduced, featuring a dramatically different system for the calculation of child support. The extent to which the new Scheme is ‘fairer’ and will improve the wellbeing of children and their families needs to be tested. This study aims to collect information from separated parents about their opinions and experiences of the new child support system and the way changes to the system may have impacted on their families.

Early last year, prior to the introduction of the new child support formula on 1 July 2008, we spoke with a large random sample of separatd parents registered with the Child Support Agency. We are currently attempting to follow-up all respondents who agreed to be re-contacted to see how the new scheme is working and to explore its impact on families. This research is funded by an Australian Research Council Linkage Project grant. Telephone interviews of approximately 20 minutes duration will be conducted by the WALLIS Consulting Group. Further information about the study can be obtained from Dr Bruce Smyth (freecall: 1800 702 927) or Bruce.Smyth@anu.edu.au

Information for respondents

Questions & Answers

About the Child Support Reform Study
The Child Support Reform Study collects information about separated parents’ experiences of, and attitudes to, the child support system prior to, and after, a new formula introduced on 1 July 2008. The first follow-up telephone survey is scheduled to begin late October 2009, and should be completed by early December 2009.

Who is conducting the research?
The research team comprises three Chief Investigators: A/Professor Bruce Smyth, Professor Bryan Rodgers and Dr Jeromey Temple, all of whom are based at the Australian Demographic and Social Research Institute (ADSRI) at the Australian National University, Canberra. Dr Marian Esler (Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs) and Allan Shephard (Child Support Agency) are Partner Investigators.

Who is funding the study?
This research project is funded by the Australian Research Council (Grant LP0989558), with some support from the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) and the Child Support Agency (CSA).

Main aims of the study
The survey seeks to improve understanding of the new child support system, and outcomes for separated parents and children.

Who has been invited to participate in the survey?
The Child Support Reform Study collects information about child support and post-separation parenting arrangements from randomly selected parents currently registered with the Child Support Agency.

Why participate?
It is vital that our survey represents everyone who may be in the child support system. The study hopes to help improve the system.

How did we get your telephone number?
Your contact information has been provided to the Australian National University by the Child Support Agency only for the purposes of this research, and under strict privacy provisions.

How do we ensure your privacy is protected?
Any information you provide will be confidential as far as allowed by law, and your own answers will not be identified as individual responses. Responses are used for research purposes only and are treated in strict confidence. Neither the Child Support Agency nor Centrelink will know whether you participated or will have access to your details. We are bound by the Provisions of the Commonwealth Privacy Act, as amended in December 2001.

How long will the survey take to complete?
The survey will take about 20 minutes to complete, depending on your answers. We will be conducting the survey between October and December 2009. Arrangements can be made to participate at any time that is convenient for you during this period.

Is the survey compulsory?
The survey is entirely voluntary but your participation is important.

More information
If you would like more information about the study, please contact the Project Manager, Dr Bruce Smyth: freecall 1800 702 927 (business hours) or Bruce.Smyth@anu.edu.au