$1.99 billion in outstanding child support payments means children are missing out - 5 June 2026

$1.99 billion in outstanding child support payments means children are missing out - 5 June 2026

The Department of Social Services has admitted that outstanding child support payments have blown out to a record high of $1.99 billion.

Shadow Minister for Families and Social Services, Melissa McIntosh MP said: “Unpaid child support debts have reached an astronomical level. Hundreds of thousands of parents owe $1.99 billion.

“That means these children are going without, while a parent fails to meet their legal obligation to pay child support for their child. “Parents have a legal and moral obligation to pay child support, it’s not optional and it needs to stop being treated as such.

“Australian children are missing out on the financial support they need and that is never acceptable.

“We know that there are parents out there who are deliberately doing the wrong thing, enjoying overseas holidays, failing to lodge their tax returns and buying luxury cars and boats while their children are missing out.

The Albanese Labor Government has introduced legislation that targets parents with unpaid debts of $10,000 or above. However, Department officials confirmed the average debt amount is $8,675, meaning non-paying parents will continue to evade their obligations.

“Labor’s legislation does not go far enough to protect the many children that are being denied the financial support by their parent.

“If you can afford to jet off on a holiday overseas, you can afford to support your children.”