A government-commissioned survey of more than 450 separated parents in Australia has found that more than half of those using the Private Collect child support arrangement — in which payments pass directly between parents rather than through Services Australia — were underpaid, with one in four receiving no money each year.
More than half of Australian parents in private child support arrangements are underpaid, government survey finds
A government-commissioned survey of more than 450 separated parents in Australia has found that more than half of those using the Private Collect child support arrangement — in which payments pass directly between parents rather than through Services Australia — were underpaid, with one in four receiving no money each year.
The survey was commissioned by the Department of Social Services, analysed by Single Mother Families Australia (SMFA), and released in late June. Government data cited in the report shows half of all families — covering approximately 500,000 children — rely on child support received through Private Collect.
The survey also found that almost one in five parents in Private Collect had agreed to the arrangement to avoid conflict with, or violence from, a former partner. Women make up more than 80 per cent of child support payees, according to figures cited in the source.
A 2025 Commonwealth Ombudsman investigation found more than $1.9 billion in child support remains unpaid across Australia.
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek said the federal budget included $183 million to deliver what she described as the biggest reforms to the child support scheme since it was created. She said that from 1 July next year, Departure Prohibition Orders will be automatically issued to anyone with a child support debt of at least $10,000 and a recent record of travel.
- The source does not state the total number of parents or children covered by the Survey of Separated Parents beyond noting more than 450 parents were questioned.
- The source does not state what specific further reforms beyond the budget measures Steggall or SMFA are proposing.
- The source does not state whether Services Australia or the Department of Social Services has responded to the specific findings about coercion in Private Collect arrangements.
- The source does not state how the $183 million in budget funding will be allocated across the various announced reforms.
- The source does not state the full methodology or response rate of the Survey of Separated Parents.
- The source does not include any response from Leah's ex-partner or a representative speaking on behalf of paying parents more broadly.
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