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We can review a range of decisions made by Services Australia

If you disagree with a decision about child support, 
we might be able to help you with a review of your case. 

We can only review the decision if it has been first reviewed by 
a Child Support Objections Officer at Services Australia.

Apply now Manage your case

  • Change of assessment

    Services Australia decided not to approve your objection to a decision it made to change your child support assessment

  • Percentage of care for a child

    You don't agree with how much time Services Australia says you care for your child for child support purposes

  • Particulars of a child support assessment

    You don't agree with what is written in a child support assessment

  • Non-agency payments

    You don't agree that a direct payment made to a third party should be included as child support

  • Refusal of extra time to object to a child support decision

    You need more time to object to a child support decision, but Services Australia refused to allow this

  • A decision by the Tribunal

    The Tribunal has already reviewed your Child Support decision and you want  a second review

  • Departure prohibition orders and departure authorisation certificates

    The Child Support Registrar has made a decision about a departure prohibition order or departure authorisation certificate

Change of assessment

What we can review

If you objected to a decision by Services Australia to change your child support assessment but were unsuccessful, you can ask us to review it.

The decision letter from Services Australia will tell you if we can review the decision and if you are a person who can apply for a review.

We can only review the decision if has been first reviewed by a Child Support Objections Officer.

We cannot:

  • investigate a complaint about the service you received from Services Australia
  • consider a claim for compensation for detriment experienced as a result of defective actions or inaction (CDDA scheme)
  • change the law.

How to apply

The easiest and safest way to apply for a review is online

To create an account and lodge an application online, you will need a valid email address and information about the decision you want us to review. 

Find out more about using our online services

You can download and fill in an application form and send it to us.

Alternatively, you can ask us for a review by:

If you want to lodge an application in person at one of our registries, or by post, email or fax, check our contact details.

When you apply for a review, we need:

  • your name, postal address, telephone number and email address
  • the date you received the decision
  • a copy of the decision
  • brief reasons why you think the decision is wrong.

If you cannot send us a copy of the decision, then include:

  • the name of the department that made the decision
  • a brief description of the decision
  • the date the decision was made.

If there is a current family violence order against the other parent, include a copy of the order with your application.

We can only accept an application made on behalf of someone else if you are:

  • the person's lawyer
  • holding a power of attorney for the person authorising the commencement of legal proceedings
  • the person's appointed guardian
  • the executor or administrator of the person's deceased estate.

Look at the Child Support Practice Direction [PDF, 299 KB] for more information.

When to apply

For a first review of a decision by Services Australia about change of assessment, you must lodge the application within 28 days after you receive the decision.

If you do not live in Australia

If you live in a reciprocating jurisdiction, you must lodge your application within 90 days after receiving the child support objection decision. 

A reciprocating jurisdiction is another country with which Australia has arrangements for child support. 

You can find a list of reciprocating jurisdictions can be found in latest version of Schedule 2 of the Child Support (Registration and Collection) Regulations 2018.

Requesting an extension

You can apply to us to extend the time limit to lodge your application. You must apply in writing and include reasons why the application is late. You can do this:

We will only start the review if we decide to extend the time limit.

Fees

There is no fee to apply for a first review of a child support decision.

Review process

After you submit an application, we will send you a confirmation letter explaining what will happen next.

We will also notify other parties to the review that we have received the application. For child support cases, the parties include:

  • the Child Support Registrar at Services Australia
  • in many cases, the other parent.

You can find out what usually happens next in the After applying section.

You can also look at the Child Support Practice Direction [PDF, 299 KB] for further detail.

Getting help for your review

It is important to us that you are able to fully participate in the review and present your case.

Our processes are informal and user-friendly. You can deal with us directly with little or no assistance if you wish. 

However, we understand that you may need or want assistance with your review, or other kinds of support.  

Yes. 

You can deal directly with us (represent yourself) or you can ask someone to help and represent you.

If you have any questions about the review process, you can ask us
 

You can have someone to represent you such as:

  • a lawyer or other professional person
  • your spouse or partner
  • a friend or relative.

If you want legal advice or someone to represent you, it is best to organise this as soon as possible. You can appoint someone to represent you by using the Authority for representative form [PDF, 1.1 MB].

We cannot pay for any costs of a lawyer or professional person to represent you.

Your representative can:

  • communicate with us on your behalf
  • give us written evidence and written submissions on your behalf
  • attend the directions hearing and hearing.

We will usually send documents relating to the review directly to you. You can then give them to your representative. We will issue a non-disclosure order to any representative.

Look at the Child Support Practice Direction [PDF, 299 KB] for more information.

You must tell us immediately if there are any changes to your representative’s details.

We can help you understand the review process, but we cannot give you advice about your case.

There are professional people (for example, lawyers) and other organisations that can help you with your review. You can find a list of places where you may be able to get legal advice on our Help and resources page.  

Yes. 

If you need an interpreter, please let us know. We will arrange for a qualified interpreter to assist, free of charge. Find out how.

For immediate assistance in your language, please contact Translating and Interpreter Services on 131 450.

Yes. 

If you need assistance because of a disability, please contact us as soon as possible. We will try and make arrangements to help.

If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service.

Percentage of care for a child

What we can review

If you don't agree with how much time Services Australia says you care for your child for child support purposes, you can ask us to review their decision.

The decision letter from Services Australia will tell you if we can review the decision and if you are a person who can apply for a review.

We can only review the decision if has been first reviewed by a Child Support Objections Officer.

We cannot:

  • investigate a complaint about the service you received from Services Australia
  • consider a claim for compensation for detriment experienced as a result of defective actions or inaction (CDDA scheme)
  • change the law.

How to apply

The easiest and safest way to apply for a review is online

To apply online, you will need a valid email address and information about the decision you want us to review. 

Find out more about using our online services

You can download and fill in an application form and send it to us.

Alternatively, you can ask us for a review by:

If you want to lodge an application in person at one of our registries, or by post, email or fax, check our contact details.

When you apply for a review, we need:

  • your name, postal address, telephone number and email address
  • the date you received the decision
  • a copy of the decision
  • brief reasons why you think the decision is wrong.

If you cannot send us a copy of the decision, then include:

  • the name of the department that made the decision
  • a brief description of the decision
  • the date the decision was made.

If there is a current family violence order against the other parent, include a copy of the order with your application.

We can only accept an application made on behalf of someone else if you are:

  • the person's lawyer
  • holding a power of attorney for the person authorising the commencement of legal proceedings
  • the person's appointed guardian
  • the executor or administrator of the person's deceased estate.

Look at the Child Support Practice Direction [PDF, 299 KB] for more information.

When to apply

There is no time limit to apply for a first review of a child support objection decision about the percentage of care for a child. However, our decision might not be back dated to an earlier date if you do not lodge the application within 28 days after receiving the Child Support objection decision.

If you do not live in Australia

If you live in a reciprocating jurisdiction, you must lodge your application within 90 days after receiving the child support objection decision. 

A reciprocating jurisdiction is another country with which Australia has arrangements for child support. 

You can find a list of reciprocating jurisdictions can be found in latest version of Schedule 2 of the Child Support (Registration and Collection) Regulations 2018.

Requesting an extension

You can apply to us to extend the time limit to lodge your application. You must apply in writing and include reasons why the application is late. You can do this:

We will only start the review if we decide to extend the time limit.

Fees

There is no fee to apply for a first review of a child support decision.

Review process

After you submit an application, we will send you a confirmation letter explaining what will happen next.

We will also notify other parties to the review that we have received the application. For percentage of care cases, the parties include:

  • the Child Support Registrar at Services Australia
  • the other parent or carer of a child.

You can find out what usually happens next in the After applying section.

You can also look at the Child Support Practice Direction [PDF, 299 KB] for further detail.

 

 

Getting help for your review

It is important to us that you are able to fully participate in the review and present your case.

Our processes are informal and user-friendly. You can deal with us directly with little or no assistance if you wish. 

However, we understand that you may need or want assistance with your review, or other kinds of support.  

Yes. 

You can deal directly with us (represent yourself) or you can ask someone to help and represent you.

If you have any questions about the review process, you can ask us
 

You can have someone to represent you such as:

  • a lawyer or other professional person
  • your spouse or partner
  • a friend or relative.

If you want legal advice or someone to represent you, it is best to organise this as soon as possible. You can appoint someone to represent you by using the Authority for representative form [PDF, 1.1 MB].

We cannot pay for any costs of a lawyer or professional person to represent you.

Your representative can:

  • communicate with us on your behalf
  • give us written evidence and written submissions on your behalf
  • attend the directions hearing and hearing.

We will usually send documents relating to the review directly to you. You can then give them to your representative. We will issue a non-disclosure order to any representative.

Look at the Child Support Practice Direction [PDF, 299 KB] for more information.

You must tell us immediately if there are any changes to your representative’s details.

We can help you understand the review process, but we cannot give you advice about your case.

There are professional people (for example, lawyers) and other organisations that can help you with your review. You can find a list of places where you may be able to get legal advice on our Help and resources page.

Yes. 

If you need an interpreter, please let us know. We will arrange for a qualified interpreter to assist, free of charge. Find out how.

For immediate assistance in your language, please contact Translating and Interpreter Services on 131 450.

Yes. 

If you need assistance because of a disability, please contact us as soon as possible. We will try and make arrangements to help.

If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service.

Particulars of a child support decision

What we can review

If you don't agree with what is written in a child support assessment, you can ask us to review the decision.

The decision letter from Services Australia will tell you if we can review the decision and if you are a person who can apply for a review.

We can only review the decision if has been first reviewed by a Child Support Objections Officer.

We cannot:

  • investigate a complaint about the service you received from Services Australia
  • consider a claim for compensation for detriment experienced as a result of defective actions or inaction (CDDA scheme)
  • change the law.

How to apply

The easiest and safest way to apply for a review is online

To create an account and lodge an application online, you will need a valid email address and information about the decision you want us to review. 

Find out more about using our online services

You can download and fill in an application form and send it to us.

Alternatively, you can ask us for a review by:

If you want to lodge an application in person at one of our registries, or by post, email or fax, check our contact details.

When you apply for a review, we need:

  • your name, postal address, telephone number and email address
  • the date you received the decision
  • a copy of the decision
  • brief reasons why you think the decision is wrong.

If you cannot send us a copy of the decision, then include:

  • the name of the department that made the decision
  • a brief description of the decision
  • the date the decision was made.

If there is a current family violence order against the other parent, include a copy of the order with your application.

We can only accept an application made on behalf of someone else if you are:

  • the person's lawyer
  • holding a power of attorney for the person authorising the commencement of legal proceedings
  • the person's appointed guardian
  • the executor or administrator of the person's deceased estate.

Look at the Child Support Practice Direction [PDF, 299 KB] for more information.

When to apply

For a first review of a decision by Services Australia about change of assessment, you must lodge the application within 28 days after you receive the decision.

If you do not live in Australia

If you live in a reciprocating jurisdiction, you must lodge your application within 90 days after receiving the child support objection decision. 

A reciprocating jurisdiction is another country with which Australia has arrangements for child support. 

You can find a list of reciprocating jurisdictions can be found in latest version of Schedule 2 of the Child Support (Registration and Collection) Regulations 2018.

Requesting an extension

You can apply to us to extend the time limit to lodge your application. You must apply in writing and include reasons why the application is late. You can do this:

We will only start the review if we decide to extend the time limit.

Fees

There is no fee to apply for a first review of a child support decision.

Review process

After you submit an application, we will send you a confirmation letter explaining what will happen next.

We will also notify other parties to the review that we have received the application. For child support cases, the parties include:

  • the Child Support Registrar at Services Australia
  • in many cases, the other parent.

You can find out what usually happens next in the After applying section.

You can also look at the Child Support Practice Direction [PDF, 299 KB] for further detail.

Getting help for your review

It is important to us that you are able to fully participate in the review and present your case.

Our processes are informal and user-friendly. You can deal with us directly with little or no assistance if you wish. 

However, we understand that you may need or want assistance with your review, or other kinds of support.  

Yes. 

You can deal directly with us (represent yourself) or you can ask someone to help and represent you.

If you have any questions about the review process, you can ask us
 

You can have someone to represent you such as:

  • a lawyer or other professional person
  • your spouse or partner
  • a friend or relative.

If you want legal advice or someone to represent you, it is best to organise this as soon as possible. You can appoint someone to represent you by using the Authority for representative form [PDF, 1.1 MB].

We cannot pay for any costs of a lawyer or professional person to represent you.

Your representative can:

  • communicate with us on your behalf
  • give us written evidence and written submissions on your behalf
  • attend the directions hearing and hearing.

We will usually send documents relating to the review directly to you. You can then give them to your representative. We will issue a non-disclosure order to any representative.

Look at the Child Support Practice Direction [PDF, 299 KB] for more information.

You must tell us immediately if there are any changes to your representative’s details.

We can help you understand the review process, but we cannot give you advice about your case.

There are professional people (for example, lawyers) and other organisations that can help you with your review. You can find a list of places where you may be able to get legal advice on our Help and resources page.

Yes. 

If you need an interpreter, please let us know. We will arrange for a qualified interpreter to assist, free of charge. Find out how.

For immediate assistance in your language, please contact Translating and Interpreter Services on 131 450.

Yes. 

If you need assistance because of a disability, please contact us as soon as possible. We will try and make arrangements to help.

If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service.

Non-agency payments

What we can review

If you don't agree that a direct payment made to a third party should be included as child support, you can ask us to review the decision.

The decision letter from Services Australia will tell you if we can review the decision and if you are a person who can apply for a review.

We can only review the decision if has been first reviewed by a Child Support Objections Officer.

We cannot:

  • investigate a complaint about the service you received from Services Australia
  • consider a claim for compensation for detriment experienced as a result of defective actions or inaction (CDDA scheme)
  • change the law.

How to apply

The easiest and safest way to apply for a review is online

To create an account and lodge an application online, you will need a valid email address and information about the decision you want us to review. 

Find out more about using our online services

You can download and fill in an application form and send it to us.

Alternatively, you can ask us for a review by:

If you want to lodge an application in person at one of our registries, or by post, email or fax, check our contact details.

When you apply for a review, we need:

  • your name, postal address, telephone number and email address
  • the date you received the decision
  • a copy of the decision
  • brief reasons why you think the decision is wrong.

If you cannot send us a copy of the decision, then include:

  • the name of the department that made the decision
  • a brief description of the decision
  • the date the decision was made.

If there is a current family violence order against the other parent, include a copy of the order with your application.

We can only accept an application made on behalf of someone else if you are:

  • the person's lawyer
  • holding a power of attorney for the person authorising the commencement of legal proceedings
  • the person's appointed guardian
  • the executor or administrator of the person's deceased estate.

Look at the Child Support Practice Direction [PDF, 299 KB] for more information.

When to apply

For a first review of a decision by Services Australia about change of assessment, you must lodge the application within 28 days after you receive the decision.

If you do not live in Australia

If you live in a reciprocating jurisdiction, you must lodge your application within 90 days after receiving the child support objection decision. 

A reciprocating jurisdiction is another country with which Australia has arrangements for child support. 

You can find a list of reciprocating jurisdictions can be found in latest version of Schedule 2 of the Child Support (Registration and Collection) Regulations 2018.

Requesting an extension

You can apply to us to extend the time limit to lodge your application. You must apply in writing and include reasons why the application is late. You can do this:

We will only start the review if we decide to extend the time limit.

Fees

There is no fee to apply for a first review of a child support decision.

Review process

After you submit an application, we will send you a confirmation letter explaining what will happen next.

We will also notify other parties to the review that we have received the application. For child support cases, the parties include:

  • the Child Support Registrar at Services Australia
  • in many cases, the other parent.

You can find out what usually happens next in the After applying section.

You can also look at the Child Support Practice Direction [PDF, 299 KB] for further detail.

Getting help for your review

It is important to us that you are able to fully participate in the review and present your case.

Our processes are informal and user-friendly. You can deal with us directly with little or no assistance if you wish. 

However, we understand that you may need or want assistance with your review, or other kinds of support.  

Yes. 

You can deal directly with us (represent yourself) or you can ask someone to help and represent you.

If you have any questions about the review process, you can ask us
 

You can have someone to represent you such as:

  • a lawyer or other professional person
  • your spouse or partner
  • a friend or relative.

If you want legal advice or someone to represent you, it is best to organise this as soon as possible. You can appoint someone to represent you by using the Authority for representative form [PDF, 1.1 MB].

We cannot pay for any costs of a lawyer or professional person to represent you.

Your representative can:

  • communicate with us on your behalf
  • give us written evidence and written submissions on your behalf
  • attend the directions hearing and hearing.

We will usually send documents relating to the review directly to you. You can then give them to your representative. We will issue a non-disclosure order to any representative.

Look at the Child Support Practice Direction [PDF, 299 KB] for more information.

You must tell us immediately if there are any changes to your representative’s details.

We can help you understand the review process, but we cannot give you advice about your case.

There are professional people (for example, lawyers) and other organisations that can help you with your review. You can find a list of places where you may be able to get legal advice on our Help and resources page.

Yes. 

If you need an interpreter, please let us know. We will arrange for a qualified interpreter to assist, free of charge. Find out how.

For immediate assistance in your language, please contact Translating and Interpreter Services on 131 450.

Yes. 

If you need assistance because of a disability, please contact us as soon as possible. We will try and make arrangements to help.

If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service.

Refusal of extra time to object to a child support decision

What we can review

If Services Australia refused to give you extra time to object to a child support decision they made, you can ask us to review the decision.

The decision letter from Services Australia will tell you if we can review the decision and if you are a person who can apply for a review.

We can only review the decision if has been first reviewed by a Child Support Objections Officer.

We cannot:

  • investigate a complaint about the service you received from Services Australia
  • consider a claim for compensation for detriment experienced as a result of defective actions or inaction (CDDA scheme)
  • change the law.

How to apply

The easiest and safest way to apply for a review is online

To create an account and lodge an application online, you will need a valid email address and information about the decision you want us to review. 

Find out more about using our online services

You can download and fill in an application form and send it to us.

Alternatively, you can ask us for a review by:

If you want to lodge an application in person at one of our registries, or by post, email or fax, check our contact details.

When you apply for a review, we need:

  • your name, postal address, telephone number and email address
  • the date you received the decision
  • a copy of the decision
  • brief reasons why you think the decision is wrong.

If you cannot send us a copy of the decision, then include:

  • the name of the department that made the decision
  • a brief description of the decision
  • the date the decision was made.

If there is a current family violence order against the other parent, include a copy of the order with your application.

We can only accept an application made on behalf of someone else if you are:

  • the person's lawyer
  • holding a power of attorney for the person authorising the commencement of legal proceedings
  • the person's appointed guardian
  • the executor or administrator of the person's deceased estate.

Look at the Child Support Practice Direction [PDF, 299 KB] for more information.

When to apply

For a first review of a decision by Services Australia about change of assessment, you must lodge the application within 28 days after you receive the decision.

If you do not live in Australia

If you live in a reciprocating jurisdiction, you must lodge your application within 90 days after receiving the child support objection decision. 

A reciprocating jurisdiction is another country with which Australia has arrangements for child support. 

You can find a list of reciprocating jurisdictions can be found in latest version of Schedule 2 of the Child Support (Registration and Collection) Regulations 2018.

Requesting an extension

You can apply to us to extend the time limit to lodge your application. You must apply in writing and include reasons why the application is late. You can do this:

We will only start the review if we decide to extend the time limit.

Fees

There is no fee to apply for a first review of a child support decision.

Review process

After you submit an application, we will send you a confirmation letter explaining what will happen next.

We will also notify other parties to the review that we have received the application. For child support cases, the parties include:

  • the Child Support Registrar at Services Australia
  • in many cases, the other parent.

You can find out what usually happens next in the After applying section.

You can also look at the Child Support Practice Direction [PDF, 299 KB] for further detail.

Getting help for your review

It is important to us that you are able to fully participate in the review and present your case.

Our processes are informal and user-friendly. You can deal with us directly with little or no assistance if you wish. 

However, we understand that you may need or want assistance with your review, or other kinds of support.  

Yes. 

You can deal directly with us (represent yourself) or you can ask someone to help and represent you.

If you have any questions about the review process, you can ask us
 

You can have someone to represent you such as:

  • a lawyer or other professional person
  • your spouse or partner
  • a friend or relative.

If you want legal advice or someone to represent you, it is best to organise this as soon as possible. You can appoint someone to represent you by using the Authority for representative form [PDF, 1.1 MB].

We cannot pay for any costs of a lawyer or professional person to represent you.

Your representative can:

  • communicate with us on your behalf
  • give us written evidence and written submissions on your behalf
  • attend the directions hearing and hearing.

We will usually send documents relating to the review directly to you. You can then give them to your representative. We will issue a non-disclosure order to any representative.

Look at the Child Support Practice Direction [PDF, 299 KB] for more information.

You must tell us immediately if there are any changes to your representative’s details.

We can help you understand the review process, but we cannot give you advice about your case.

There are professional people (for example, lawyers) and other organisations that can help you with your review. You can find a list of places where you may be able to get legal advice on our Help and resources page.

Yes. 

If you need an interpreter, please let us know. We will arrange for a qualified interpreter to assist, free of charge. Find out how.

For immediate assistance in your language, please contact Translating and Interpreter Services on 131 450.

Yes. 

If you need assistance because of a disability, please contact us as soon as possible. We will try and make arrangements to help.

If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service.

A decision by the Tribunal

What we can review

If we have already reviewed the decision you received from Services Australia, but you are not happy with our decision, you may be able to ask us to review it again.

The letter we sent you telling you about our decision will tell you if we can review the decision again and if you are a person who can apply for a review.

We cannot:

  • investigate a complaint about the service you received from Services Australia
  • consider a claim for compensation for detriment experienced as a result of defective actions or inaction (CDDA scheme)
  • change the law.

How to apply

The easiest and safest way to apply for a review is online

To create an account and lodge an application online, you will need a valid email address and information about the decision you want us to review. 

Find out more about using our online services

You can download and fill in an application form and send it to us.

Alternatively, you can ask us for a review by:

If you want to lodge an application in person at one of our registries, or by post, email or fax, check our contact details.

When you apply for a review, we need:

  • your name, postal address, telephone number and email address
  • the date you received the decision
  • a copy of the decision
  • brief reasons why you think the decision is wrong.

If you cannot send us a copy of the decision, then include:

  • the name of the department that made the decision
  • a brief description of the decision
  • the date the decision was made.

If there is a current family violence order against the other parent, include a copy of the order with your application.

We can only accept an application made on behalf of someone else if you are:

  • the person's lawyer
  • holding a power of attorney for the person authorising the commencement of legal proceedings
  • the person's appointed guardian
  • the executor or administrator of the person's deceased estate.

Look at the Child Support Practice Direction [PDF, 299 KB] for more information.

When to apply

For a first review of a decision by Services Australia about change of assessment, you must lodge the application within 28 days after you receive the decision.

If you do not live in Australia

If you live in a reciprocating jurisdiction, you must lodge your application within 90 days after receiving the child support objection decision. 

A reciprocating jurisdiction is another country with which Australia has arrangements for child support. 

You can find a list of reciprocating jurisdictions can be found in latest version of Schedule 2 of the Child Support (Registration and Collection) Regulations 2018.

Requesting an extension

You can apply to us to extend the time limit to lodge your application. You must apply in writing and include reasons why the application is late. You can do this:

We will only start the review if we decide to extend the time limit.

Fees

The standard application fee is $1,121.

Review process

After you submit an application, we will send you a confirmation letter explaining what will happen next.

We will also notify other parties to the review that we have received the application. For child support cases, the parties include:

  • the Child Support Registrar at Services Australia
  • in many cases, the other parent.

You can find out what usually happens next in the After applying section.

You can also look at the Child Support Practice Direction [PDF, 299 KB] for further detail.

Getting help for your review

It is important to us that you are able to fully participate in the review and present your case.

Our processes are informal and user-friendly. You can deal with us directly with little or no assistance if you wish. 

However, we understand that you may need or want assistance with your review, or other kinds of support.  

Yes. 

You can deal directly with us (represent yourself) or you can ask someone to help and represent you.

If you have any questions about the review process, you can ask us
 

You can have someone to represent you such as:

  • a lawyer or other professional person
  • your spouse or partner
  • a friend or relative.

If you want legal advice or someone to represent you, it is best to organise this as soon as possible. You can appoint someone to represent you by using the Authority for representative form [PDF, 1.1 MB].

We cannot pay for any costs of a lawyer or professional person to represent you.

Your representative can:

  • communicate with us on your behalf
  • give us written evidence and written submissions on your behalf
  • attend the directions hearing and hearing.

We will usually send documents relating to the review directly to you. You can then give them to your representative. We will issue a non-disclosure order to any representative.

Look at the Child Support Practice Direction [PDF, 299 KB] for more information.

You must tell us immediately if there are any changes to your representative’s details.

We can help you understand the review process, but we cannot give you advice about your case.

There are professional people (for example, lawyers) and other organisations that can help you with your review. You can find a list of places where you may be able to get legal advice on our Help and resources page.

Yes. 

If you need an interpreter, please let us know. We will arrange for a qualified interpreter to assist, free of charge. Find out how.

For immediate assistance in your language, please contact Translating and Interpreter Services on 131 450.

Yes. 

If you need assistance because of a disability, please contact us as soon as possible. We will try and make arrangements to help.

If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service.

Departure prohibition orders and departure authorisation certificates

What we can review

We can review the following decisions made by Services Australia about departure prohibition orders or departure authorisation certificates:

  • to revoke or vary, or refuse to revoke or vary a departure prohibition order
  • to issue, or refuse to issue, a departure authorisation certificate
  • a decision about the provision of security for a person's return to Australia by a specified day
  • to substitute, or refuse to substitute, a later day for a person's return to Australia.

The decision letter from Services Australia will tell you if we can review the decision.

We cannot:

  • review a decision to make a departure prohibition order. You must appeal to the Federal Circuit and Family Court or the Federal Court.

How to apply

The easiest and safest way to apply for a review is online

To create an account and lodge an application online, you will need a valid email address and information about the decision you want us to review. 

Find out more about using our online services

You can download and fill in an application form and send it to us.

Alternatively, you can ask us for a review by:

If you want to lodge an application in person at one of our registries, or by post, email or fax, check our contact details.

When you apply for a review, we need:

  • your name, postal address, telephone number and email address
  • the date you received the decision
  • a copy of the decision
  • brief reasons why you think the decision is wrong.

If you cannot send us a copy of the decision, then include:

  • the name of the department that made the decision
  • a brief description of the decision
  • the date the decision was made.

If there is a current family violence order against the other parent, include a copy of the order with your application.

When to apply

For a first review of a decision by Services Australia about change of assessment, you must lodge the application within 28 days after you receive the decision.

Requesting an extension

You can apply to us to extend the time limit to lodge your application. You must apply in writing and include reasons why the application is late. You can do this:

We will send a copy of your extension application to Services Australia. They have 14 days to tell us if they oppose the application.

If they do not oppose the application, we will generally make a decision without holding a hearing. If they oppose the application, we will usually hold a hearing before deciding the application. 

We will only start the review if we decide to extend the time limit.

Fees

The standard application fee is $1,121.

Find out more information about fees, including:

  • when to pay
  • how to pay
  • refunds
  • fee reductions.

Review process

After you submit an application, we will send you a confirmation letter explaining what will happen next.

We will also notify the Child Support Registrar in Services Australia that we have received the application.

If representing yourself, we will usually call you within 6 weeks after we receive the application to explain the review process and ask whether you need additional assistance, such as an interpreter.

You can find out what usually happens next in the After applying section.

You can also look at the Child Support Practice Direction [PDF, 299 KB] for further detail.

Getting help for your review

It is important to us that you are able to fully participate in the review and present your case.

Our processes are informal and user-friendly. You can deal with us directly with little or no assistance if you wish. 

However, we understand that you may need or want assistance with your review, or other kinds of support.  

Yes. 

You can deal directly with us (represent yourself) or you can ask someone to help and represent you.

If you have any questions about the review process, you can ask us
 

You can have someone to represent you such as:

  • a lawyer or other professional person
  • your spouse or partner
  • a friend or relative.

If you want legal advice or someone to represent you, it is best to organise this as soon as possible. You can appoint someone to represent you by using the Authority for representative form [PDF, 1.1 MB].

We cannot pay for any costs of a lawyer or professional person to represent you.

Your representative can:

  • communicate with us on your behalf
  • give us written evidence and written submissions on your behalf
  • attend the directions hearing and hearing.

We will usually send documents relating to the review directly to you. You can then give them to your representative. We will issue a non-disclosure order to any representative.

Look at the Child Support Practice Direction [PDF, 299 KB] for more information.

You must tell us immediately if there are any changes to your representative’s details.

We can help you understand the review process, but we cannot give you advice about your case.

There are professional people (for example, lawyers) and other organisations that can help you with your review. You can find a list of places where you may be able to get legal advice on our Help and resources page.  

Yes. 

If you need an interpreter, please let us know. We will arrange for a qualified interpreter to assist, free of charge. Find out how.

For immediate assistance in your language, please contact Translating and Interpreter Services on 131 450.

Yes. 

If you need assistance because of a disability, please contact us as soon as possible. We will try and make arrangements to help.

If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service.

Fair, accessible and independent

We are completely separate from Services Australia. We are here to make sure their decisions are legally correct and fair.