Meeting with IRD Child Support 26th July 2003 page Two.

Parents have had enough!

Child Support Seminar in Auckland hailed as a success. Unity among men's groups prevails with a demand for radical change to the Child Support Act.

Photo: Jim Bagnall introduces the three IRD representatives:

With 35 participants, and numerous apologies from parents unable to attend, the Child Support Seminar hosted by Men's Centre North Shore on Saturday 27 July was hailed as a great day by those attending.

From 10:00 to 13:00 Alan Marino, IRD Community liaison officer, with the assistance of Wayne (IRD administration officer) and Roger (Administrative Review officer from Taraunga) gave a presentation on Administrative Reviews.

This was a challenging session for the department as those in attendance had all experienced the review process with negative outcomes, being left with a feeling of being "screwed by Child Support". A number of parents took the time to reveal their stories, by way of questions to Alan. Real stories of how IRD administered the Child Support Act and its effect on parents were startling. One partner of a paying parent who had been subjected to an administrative review was in tears as she relayed their story.

Photo: Alan Marino presenting information about Administrative Reviews:

When Alan described the Act as the best in the world James Nicolle pointed out that the measure being used was collection of liability and the Act had no interest in the welfare of children. Numerous parents were astonished to hear the best interest and welfare of their children is not mentioned in the Act.

Photo: James Nicolle puts foward a parent's perspective:

Frank discussions gave IRD considerable input to reflect upon on the reality of the Child Support Act and the growing dissatisfaction with this piece of family law. Parents expressed their frustration with the Act and the impact that it has upon their children.

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