Submission to the Family Law Amendment Bill 2024 in relation to Non-Payment of Child Support
As part of the Economic Abuse Working Group, a national alliance of women’s legal, financial counselling, and economic rights organisations, FCVic is proud to contribute to this submission, advocating for the recognition of non-payment of child support as a form of economic abuse.
The Working Group is encouraged by the amendments’ reference to non-payment of child support and their recognition of the long-term financial strain imposed on victim-survivors. These changes should prompt institutions—including those in finance, accounting, legal, and government sectors—to acknowledge the likelihood of non-payment behaviours facilitated by their systems. It is essential that these sectors actively work to interrupt and address this form of abuse. Turning a blind eye allows institutional systems to be weaponised, perpetuating harm.
We must remain vigilant that violence does not cease with the end of a relationship. In fact, economic abuse, particularly through non-payment, may escalate following the formal dissolution of the relationship. The reforms in this Bill provide a critical opportunity to address these ongoing risks.
We also recognise the valuable work of our partner organisations, including the Financial Counsellors Association of Western Australia, Women’s Legal Service, Gosnells Community Legal Centre, WESNET (The Women’s Services Network), Women’s Legal Services Australia, and Women’s Legal Service WA, who are collectively raising awareness and advocating for change.