On Tuesday, Senator Rayburn Blackmoore, Minister for National Security, spoke on the Maintenance of Children Act, which seeks to strengthen the existing regulations concerning the duties of parents to provide for their child/children. The new act was passed during the second meeting of the first session of the 11th Parliament.
“It is important for all of us here today, to understand all the elements of the bills that we are passing. These bills are far reaching, they are progressive, and they are consistent with the national reset that we are talking about.” The Hon. Rayburn Blackmoore.
He further informed that the court can now enforce a minimum of $75 per week for child maintenance, which was determined based on scientific data from the Ministry of Social Services.
Additionally, Blackmoore highlighted Section 12 of the Bill, which permits the attachment of a parent’s income or pension to ensure compliance with the court order, and Section 25, which forbids a parent from evading a court order by travelling overseas.
Finally, he commended those involved in the process for creating a thorough Bill to eliminate any loopholes and cautioned that legal action may be taken against any parent who fails to meet the requirements of the order.