I am a parent who shares 50% custody of my children. Despite this equal division of responsibility, I am required to pay child support solely because I earn more money from working longer hours. This system is inherently unfair and can discourage hardworking individuals from pursuing better-paying jobs for fear of increased child support payments.

In Australia, the current child support system calculates payments based on income rather than just shared parenting time.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2017-18 there were around 333,700 parents with a child support agreement or arrangement in place. Of these parents, approximately half had an equal custody arrangement but were still subject to income-based child support payments. 

This petition calls for reform in the Australian child support system that takes into account not only income but also shared parenting responsibilities. We believe that such changes will promote fairness and encourage both parents to contribute equally towards their children's upbringing. 

We urge lawmakers and policymakers in Australia to revisit this issue with urgency and fairness at its core. Please sign this petition if you believe in promoting equality within our family law systems and ensuring that all hardworking individuals are encouraged rather than discouraged from providing financially for their children.