Thousands of liable parents have fled to Australia, Nats say

Judith Collins

Thousands of liable parents have fled to Australia to avoid paying child support and the Inland Revenue Department has lost track of them, the National Party said today.

The party's welfare spokeswoman, Judith Collins, cited official figures showing 11,366 liable parents were believed to be living in Australia while 5197 were confirmed as being there.

Ms Collins obtained the figures from Associate Revenue Minister David Cunliffe through written parliamentary questions.

"In essence, he is confirming that IRD has lost track of 6169 liable parents," she said.

"The vulnerable children, the mothers who are struggling to make ends meet on their own and the Kiwi taxpayer all deserve better than this."

In October last year Mr Cunliffe said 3633 liable parents with a total debt of $91,876,501 had been referred to the Australian Child Support Agency under the reciprocal agreement.

"Mr Cunliffe made a big deal about the high numbers that had been referred to Australian collection agencies," Ms Collins said.

"Now we know the reality is far less flattering than he made it out to be."

Ms Collins said fines defaulters could be stopped at borders, and there should be checks and balances to keep tabs on liable parents heading for Australia.

In his answers, Mr Cunliffe explained that IRD kept two sets of figures -- those who were confirmed to be living in Australia and those believed to be living there.

The second category is for liable parents whose last known address was in Australia, or who might be living there based on advice from another person.

- NZPA