Inquiry into the Child Support and Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Ending Financial Abuse in the Child Support Scheme No. 1) Bill 2026

This submission responds to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs inquiry. The inquiry covers the Child Support and Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Ending Financial Abuse in the Child Support Scheme No 1) Bill 2026.

AIFS makes this submission based on its record as the Australian Government's trusted evidence partner regarding the changing nature of Australian families. AIFS has researched the experiences and wellbeing of separated families widely, including how government policies and laws affect them. As well as its specialisation in relation to the family law system, AIFS has a broader understanding of how the Child Support and related systems reflect contemporary care arrangements in Australian families and the costs of raising children across 2 households.