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This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request '#2 Reason for amendments to s 67CC(2)'.



LEX 74480 - Page 1 of 97
From:
FREEDOMOFINFORMATION
To:
Toze, Cathy
Cc:
s47E(d)
Piazza, Tony; 
 Derix, Jeffrey
s47E(d)
s47E(d)
FREEDOMOFINFORMATION
Subject:
For Noting: New significant FOI request – Me (Right to Know) - [LEX 71589] [SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive,
ACCESS=Legal-Privilege]
Date:
Monday, 6 February 2023 5:42:42 PM
Attachments:
image001.jpg
image002.png
Hi Cathy
For noting: The Families and Children Division has been identified as the relevant business area
for a new FOI request received from ‘Me’ (the applicant). This request is considered to be
significant as the applicant is seeking access to Agency information relating to the amendment to
Child Care Subsidy legislation.
A decision is due on 2 March 2023. If we intend to release documents to the applicant, we will
provide a copy of the documents in the form proposed for release at 3 business days prior to
release.
s47C
 
 
Please contact me, or the acting Chief Counsel, if you require any further information.
Kind regards
Nick
Nicholas Parmeter
General Counsel, Information Access
Legal Services Division
E: s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au
M: s47F(1)
cid:image001.jpg@01D6B8E1.985E2F30
cid:image007.png@01D6DF7F.6CC1A900


LEX 74480 - Page 2 of 97
From:
Toze, Cathy
To:
FREEDOMOFINFORMATION; Thorpe, Jonathon
Cc:
; Piazza, Tony; 
 Derix, Jeffrey; 
s47E(d)
s47E(d)
s47E(d)
FREEDOMOFINFORMATION
Subject:
Re: For Noting: New significant FOI request – Me (Right to Know) - [LEX 71589] [SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive,
ACCESS=Legal-Privilege]
Date:
Monday, 6 February 2023 6:01:31 PM
Attachments:
image001.jpg
image002.png
Looping Jonathon in.
Thanks, happy to discuss,
Cathy Toze
General Manager, Services Australia.
Mobile: s47F(1)
From: FREEDOMOFINFORMATION 
Sent: Monday, February 6, 2023 6:12 pm
To: Toze, Cathy 
Cc: s47E(d)
; Piazza, Tony ; s47E(d)
; Derix, Jeffrey ;
s47E(d)
 ; FREEDOMOFINFORMATION 
Subject: For Noting: New significant FOI request – Me (Right to Know) - [LEX 71589]
[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive, ACCESS=Legal-Privilege]
Hi Cathy
For noting: The Families and Children Division has been identified as the relevant
business area for a new FOI request received from ‘Me’ (the applicant). This request is
considered to be significant as the applicant is seeking access to Agency information
relating to the amendment to Child Care Subsidy legislation.
A decision is due on 2 March 2023. If we intend to release documents to the applicant, we
will provide a copy of the documents in the form proposed for release at 3 business days
prior to release.
s47C
Please contact me, or the acting Chief Counsel, if you require any further information.
Kind regards
Nick
Nicholas Parmeter
General Counsel, Information Access
Legal Services Division
E: s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au
M:s47F(1)
cid:image001.jpg@01D6B8E1.985E2F30
cid:image007.png@01D6DF7F.6CC1A900
LEX 74480 - Page 3 of 97
From:
FREEDOMOFINFORMATION
To:
s47E(d)
Cc:
FREEDOMOFINFORMATION
Subject:
For action: Significant FOI request search minute – Me (Right to Know) (LEX 71589) – Due 9 February 2023
[SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date:
Thursday, 2 February 2023 9:10:37 AM
Attachments:
image001.jpg
LEX 71589 - SPOC - Significant document search minute.docx
Freedom of Information request - Reason for amendments to s 67CC(2).msg
Re LEX 71589 - Communication - In relation to your request SECOFFICIAL.msg
Sensitive: Legal
Dear Rohan,
For your action
Your Division has been identified as a relevant business area for the attached FOI request from
‘Me’ (Right to Know). To assist the FOI Team to process this request, please complete the
attached search minute and respond to the FOI Team by close of business, 9 February 2023.
Please note the Search Minute requires GM clearance.
Background
Services Australia has received a significant freedom of information request from ‘Me’ (Right to
Know), made in the following terms:
 There are amendments to s 67CC(2) of the A New Tax System (Family Assistance)
(Administration) Act 1999, contained in the Family Assistance Legislation Amendment
(Cheaper Childcare) Act 2022. In particular, the amendment that adds ‘claimant’ to s
67CC(2).
For that amendment, please produce:
1. The earliest in time document in Services Australia’s possession that relates directly to
the above amendment
2. The latest in time document, but on or before 26 September 2022, in Services
Australia’s possession that relates directly to the above amendment
3. A document in Services Australia’s possession that describes the origin of the idea to
pursue the amendment.
This request is considered to be significant as agency information is requested.
s47C

LEX 74480 - Page 4 of 97
s47C
 
 
Please contact me or s47F(1)
 on s47F(1)
 if you require any further information.
Kind regards,
s47F(1)
Assistant Director, Freedom of Information
Information Access Branch
Legal Services Division
Chat with me on Teams
s47F(1)
 or call me via Teams (preferred)
cid:image003.jpg@01D6DA03.E338DD00


LEX 74480 - Page 11 of 97
From:
Anderson  Tina
To:
FREEDOMOFINFORMATION
Cc:
; 
s47E(d)
s47F(1)
Subject:
FW: For action: Significant FOI request search minute – Me (Right to Know) (LEX 71589) – Due 7 February 2023 [SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive]
Date:
Monday, 6 February 2023 8:07:13 PM
Attachments:
image005.jpg
image001.png
FW Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Cheaper Child Care) Bill 2022 SECOFFICIALSensitive msg
Explanatory Memorandum docx
LEX 71589 - SPOC - Significant document search minute v0.2.docx
FW Advice please by COB Thurs 47- draft amendment to remove the follow the child requirement SECOFFICIAL msg
image004.jpg
image002.jpg
Importance:
High
Team – approved GM response below.
Many thanks.
Regards,
Tina
Tina Anderson
National Manager
s47F(1)
Families and Child Care Branch
Families, Children and Targeted Services Division
s47F(1)
From: Piazza, Tony 
Sent: Monday, 6 February 2023 8:16 PM
To: Anderson, Tina 
Cc: s47E(d)
 s47F(1)
 
Subject: FW: For action: Significant FOI request search minute – Me (Right to Know) (LEX 71589) – Due 7 February 2023
[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive]
Importance: High
s47C
Tony
Tony Piazza,
General Manager
Phone s47F(1)
Families and Children Division
cid:image003.jpg@01D6B909.E6CA9A50
From: Anderson, Tina s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au> 
Sent: Monday, 6 February 2023 9:51 AM
To: Piazza, Tony <s47F(1) @servicesaustralia.gov.au>
Cc: s47E(d)
 s47F(1)
s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>
Subject: FW: For action: Significant FOI request search minute – Me (Right to Know) (LEX 71589) – Due 7 February 2023
[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive]
Importance: High
s47C


LEX 74480 - Page 13 of 97
Thank you
s47F(1)
Executive Officer to Tony Piazza, General Manager
Families and Children
s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au
cid:image002.jpg@01D6B9CE.158F6950
I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands we live on. I pay my respects to all Elders, past, present and emerging of all
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations.
From: FREEDOMOFINFORMATION <xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx> 
Sent: Thursday, 2 February 2023 9:40 AM
To: s47E(d)
Cc: FREEDOMOFINFORMATION <xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: For action: Significant FOI request search minute – Me (Right to Know) (LEX 71589) – Due 9 February 2023
[SEC=OFFICIAL]
Sensitive: Legal
For your action
Your Division has been identified as a relevant business area for the attached FOI request from ‘Me’ (Right to Know). To assist
the FOI Team to process this request, please complete the attached search minute and respond to the FOI Team by close of
business, 9 February 2023. Please note the Search Minute requires GM clearance.
Background
Services Australia has received a significant freedom of information request from ‘Me’ (Right to Know), made in the following
terms:
 There are amendments to s 67CC(2) of the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999, contained in
the Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Cheaper Childcare) Act 2022. In particular, the amendment that adds
‘claimant’ to s 67CC(2).
For that amendment, please produce:
1. The earliest in time document in Services Australia’s possession that relates directly to the above amendment
2. The latest in time document, but on or before 26 September 2022, in Services Australia’s possession that relates
directly to the above amendment
3. A document in Services Australia’s possession that describes the origin of the idea to pursue the amendment.
This request is considered to be significant as agency information is requested.
s47C
 
 
Kind regards,
s47F(1)
Assistant Director, Freedom of Information
Information Access Branch
Legal Services Division
Chat with me on Teams


LEX 74480 - Page 21 of 97
From:
FREEDOMOFINFORMATION
To:
s47E(d
Cc:
FREEDOMOFINFORMATION; Anderson  Tina; s47E(d  s47F(1)
Subject:
For review by 20 Feb 2023: Significant FOI request search minute – Me (Right to Know) (LEX 71589) [SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive]
Date:
Monday, 20 February 2023 9:37:47 AM
Attachments:
image005.jpg
image006.png
image007.jpg
FW LEX 71589 - Courtesy consultation from Services Australia Department of Education SECOFFICIAL msg
LEX 71589 - SPOC - GM cleared Significant document search minute v0.2.docx
LEX 71589 - Decision - Draft documents marked for redaction - for clearance.pdf
image001.jpg
s47C
Kind regards
s47F(1)
, Assistant Director
s47F(1)
Freedom of Information and Ombudsman Branch
LEGAL SERVICES DIVISION
cid:image002.jpg@01D6BC07.2D63B370
s47F(1)
Services Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land now called Australia. We pay our respect to all Elders, past,
present and emerging of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations.
Please note: This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal professional privilege or information that is otherwise sensitive or
confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of this email, you are prohibited from using or disseminating this communication. If you have received this
communication in error please notify the sender immediately and permanently delete this email.
From: Anderson, Tina 
Sent: Monday, 6 February 2023 8:36 PM
To: FREEDOMOFINFORMATION 
Cc: s47E(d)
 s47F(1)
 
Subject: FW: For action: Significant FOI request search minute – Me (Right to Know) (LEX 71589) – Due 7 February 2023
[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive]
s22-duplicate

LEX 74480 - Page 25 of 97
From:
Education - FOI
To:
FREEDOMOFINFORMATION
Subject:
FW: LEX 71589 - Courtesy consultation from Services Australia – Department of Education [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date:
Wednesday, 15 February 2023 9:47:40 AM
Attachments:
image001.jpg
image002.jpg
LEX 71589 - Services Australia - Consult Document.pdf
Caution: Do not click any links or open any attachments unless you trust the sender and
believe the content to be safe.
Dears47F(1)
Thank you for your consulting the Department of Education (department) about the possible release
of the attached documents.
We have consulted with the relevant business area within the department and make the following
comments.
s42, s47C
Thank you again for consulting with the department about this matter. Please feel free to contact me
if you have any questions.
Kind regards,
s47F(1)
Senior Government Lawyer
Corporate and Information Law Team | Corporate and Childcare Branch
Legal Division 
Australian Government Department of Education
Phone s47F(1)
education.gov.au
The Department of Education acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and their continuing
connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and Elders past, present and emerging.
Legal in confidence: This transmission is intended only for the use of the addressee and may contain confidential or legally
privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or dissemination of this
communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify me immediately by telephone

LEX 74480 - Page 27 of 97
information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of this
email, you are prohibited from using or disseminating this communication. If you have received this
communication in error please notify the sender immediately and permanently delete this email
********************************************************************** IMPORTANT:
This e-mail is for the use of the intended recipient only and may contain information that is
confidential, commercially valuable and/or subject to legal or parliamentary privilege. If you are not
the intended recipient you are notified that any review, re-transmission, disclosure, dissemination or
other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information is prohibited and may result in
severe penalties. If you have received this e-mail in error please notify the sender immediately and
delete all electronic and hard copies of this transmission together with any attachments. Please
consider the environment before printing this e-mail
**********************************************************************
Notice:
The information contained in this email message and any attached files may be confidential
information, and may also be the subject of legal professional privilege. If you are not the
intended recipient, any use, disclosure or copying of this email is unauthorised. If you received
this email in error, please notify the sender by contacting the department's switchboard on 1300
566 046 during business hours (8:30am - 5pm Canberra time) and delete all copies of this
transmission together with any attachments.

LEX 74480 - Page 28 of 97
From:
Anderson  Tina
To:
 FREEDOMOFINFORMATION
s47E(d)
Cc:
; 
s47F(1)
s47E(d)
Subject:
FW: For review by 20 Feb 2023: Significant FOI request search minute – Me (Right to Know) (LEX 71589) [SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive]
Date:
Monday, 20 February 2023 4:20:37 PM
Attachments:
image005.jpg
image006.png
image007.jpg
FW LEX 71589 - Courtesy consultation from Services Australia Department of Education SECOFFICIAL msg
LEX 71589 - SPOC - GM cleared Significant document search minute v0.2.docx
LEX 71589 - Decision - Draft documents marked for redaction - for clearance.pdf
image001.jpg
image002.jpg
Hi s47F(1)
s47C
Regards,
Tina
Tina Anderson
National Manager
s47F(1)
Families and Child Care Branch
Families, Children and Targeted Services Division
s47F(1)
From: FREEDOMOFINFORMATION 
Sent: Monday, 20 February 2023 10:05 AM
To: s47E(d)
 
Cc: FREEDOMOFINFORMATION ; Anderson, Tina ; s47E(d)
 s47F(1)
 
Subject: For review by 20 Feb 2023: Significant FOI request search minute – Me (Right to Know) (LEX 71589)
s22-duplicate
LEX 74480 - Page 36 of 97
From:
FREEDOMOFINFORMATION
To:
Thorpe, Jonathon
Cc:
s47E(d)
; Piazza, Tony; s47E(d)
; s47F(1)
FREEDOMOFINFORMATION
Subject:
Seeking DCEO Comment by 24 February 2023 – Documents proposed for release (LEX 71589)
[SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date:
Wednesday, 22 February 2023 10:27:17 AM
Attachments:
image002.jpg
LEX 71589 - Decision - Documents final.pdf
FW For action Significant FOI request search minute Me (Right to Know) (LEX 71589) Due 7 February 2023
SECOFFICIALSensitive.msg
FW LEX 71589 - Courtesy consultation from Services Australia Department of Education SECOFFICIAL.msg
RE For review by 20 Feb 2023 Significant FOI request search minute Me (Right to Know) (LEX 71589)
SECOFFICIALSensitive.msg
FW For review by 20 Feb 2023 Significant FOI request search minute Me (Right to Know) (LEX 71589)
SECOFFICIALSensitive.msg
Sensitive: Legal
Dear Jonathon,
s47C
Regards
s47F(1)


LEX 74480 - Page 38 of 97
From:
Thorpe, Jonathon
To:
FREEDOMOFINFORMATION
Cc:
s47E(d)
 Piazza, Tony; s47E(d)
 s47F(1)
Subject:
RE: Seeking DCEO Comment by 24 February 2023 – Documents proposed for release (LEX 71589)
[SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date:
Monday, 27 February 2023 3:03:45 PM
Attachments:
image001.jpg
image002.jpg
Hi All
Just confirming Tony will respond noting some additional queries. Thanks.
Regards
Jonathon Thorpe
a/g Deputy CEO, CUSTOMER SERVICE DESIGN GROUP
Mobile s47F(1)
cid:image001.jpg@01D73D09.71AF68C0
s47F(1)
From: FREEDOMOFINFORMATION 
Sent: Wednesday, 22 February 2023 10:52 AM
s22-duplicate

LEX 74480 - Page 40 of 97
From:
FREEDOMOFINFORMATION
To:
Piazza, Tony
Cc:
s47E(d)
FREEDOMOFINFORMATION; s47E(d)
Subject:
FW: Seeking DCEO Comment by 1 March 2023 – Documents proposed for release (LEX 71589)
[SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date:
Wednesday, 1 March 2023 9:41:59 AM
Attachments:
image001.jpg
LEX 71589 - Decision - Draft documents marked for redaction - for clearance v2.pdf
image002.jpg
RE Seeking DCEO Comment by 24 February 2023 Documents proposed for release (LEX 71589)
SECOFFICIAL.msg
Hi Tony,
FOI have received the attached response from Jonathon Thorpe dated 27 February 2023 to
advise you will be providing a response.
s47C
Thank you.
Kind regards
s47F(1)
A/g Assistant Director
Phone: s47F(1)
Freedom of Information and Ombudsman Branch
LEGAL SERVICES DIVISION
Email: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
From: FREEDOMOFINFORMATION 
Sent: Friday, 24 February 2023 11:13 AM
To: Piazza, Tony 
Cc: s47E(d)
 FREEDOMOFINFORMATION ; s47F(1)
 
Subject: RE: Seeking DCEO Comment by 24 February 2023 – Documents proposed for release
(LEX 71589) [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Hi Tony,
Thank you for your email.
s47C


LEX 74480 - Page 43 of 97
From:
Piazza, Tony
To:
FREEDOMOFINFORMATION
Cc:
s47E(d)
Subject:
FW: Seeking DCEO Comment by 1 March 2023 – Documents proposed for release (LEX 71589)
[SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date:
Thursday, 2 March 2023 11:28:28 AM
Attachments:
image001.jpg
LEX 71589 - Decision - Draft documents marked for redaction - for clearance v2.pdf
image002.jpg
RE Seeking DCEO Comment by 24 February 2023 Documents proposed for release (LEX 71589)
SECOFFICIAL.msg
Hi. No further concerns from myself.
Regards
Tony
Tony Piazza,
General Manager
Phone s47F(1)
Families and Children Division
From: FREEDOMOFINFORMATION <xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx> 
Sent: Wednesday, 1 March 2023 10:09 AM
s22-duplicate

LEX 74480 - Page 47 of 97
From:
O"Donnell, Lisa
To:
s47F(1)
Cc:
; FOI.LEGAL.TEAM; 
s47F(1)
s47F(1)
Subject:
Seeking DCEO Comment by 6 March 2023– Documents proposed for release (LEX 71589)
[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive, ACCESS=Legal-Privilege]
Date:
Friday, 3 March 2023 1:47:25 PM
Attachments:
Seeking DCEO Comment by 6 March 2023 Documents proposed for release (LEX 71589) SECOFFICIAL.msg
image001.jpg
Hello
s47C
Thanks
Lisa O’Donnell, General Counsel
Phone s47F(1)
FOI and Ombudsman Branch
LEGAL SERVICES DIVISION
I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands we live on. I pay my respects to all Elders, past and
present, of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations
s47F(1)
LEX 74480 - Page 48 of 97
s47F(1)
From:
O'Donnell, Lisa
Sent:
Friday, 3 March 2023 9:53 AM
To:
Thorpe, Jonathon
Cc:
s47E(d)
 s47F(1)Tony; s47E(d)
 
s47F(1) ; O'Donnell, Lisa
Subject:
Seeking DCEO Comment by 6 March 2023– Documents proposed for release (LEX 
71589) [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Attachments:
FW: Seeking DCEO Comment by 1 March 2023 – Documents proposed for release 
(LEX 71589) [SEC=OFFICIAL]; LEX 71589 - Decision - Draft documents marked for 
redaction - for clearance v2.pdf
Good morning Lisa 
 
s47C
 
Thanks - s47F(1) 
 
To: Thorpe, Jonathon s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au> Cc: s47E(d)
 
s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>; s47E(d)
 
 
s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au> ; O'Donnell, Lisa
 
Sensitive: Legal 
 
Dear Jonathon, 
s47C
1

LEX 74480 - Page 49 of 97
s47C
Kind regards 
 
Lisa O’Donnell, General Counsel 
Phone s47F(1)
 
FOI and Ombudsman Branch 
LEGAL SERVICES DIVISION 
 
 
I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands we live on. I pay my respects to all Elders, past and present, of 
all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations 
 
FREEDOMOFINFORMATION xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx 
 
s47E(d)
 
 
From: Thorpe, Jonathon s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>  
Sent: Monday, 27 February 2023 3:34 PM 
s22-duplicate


LEX 74480 - Page 52 of 97
From:
O"Donnell, Lisa
To:
s47F(1)
Cc:
s47F(1)
Subject:
Re: Seeking DCEO Comment by 6 March 2023– Documents proposed for release (LEX 71589)
[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive, ACCESS=Legal-Privilege]
Date:
Friday, 3 March 2023 4:46:12 PM
Attachments:
image002.jpg
image003.jpg
s47C
Lisa
Get Outlook for iOS
From: s47F(1)
 
Sent: Friday, March 3, 2023 4:29:03 PM
To: O'Donnell, Lisa 
Cc: s47F(1)
 
Subject: RE: Seeking DCEO Comment by 6 March 2023– Documents proposed for release (LEX
71589) [SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive, ACCESS=Legal-Privilege]
Hi Lisa
Apologies, the legislation and explanatory memorandum within the document bundle are
publicly available.
Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Cheaper Child Care) Bill 2022 – Parliament
of Australia (aph.gov.au)
Kind regards
s47F(1)
, Senior FOI Officer
Phone: s47F(1)
Freedom of Information and Ombudsman Branch
LEGAL SERVICES DIVISION
Email: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
From: O'Donnell, Lisa 
Sent: Friday, 3 March 2023 3:30 PM
To: FREEDOMOFINFORMATION 
Cc: s47F(1)
 
Subject: RE: Seeking DCEO Comment by 6 March 2023– Documents proposed for release (LEX
71589) [SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive, ACCESS=Legal-Privilege]
s47C
Lisa O’Donnell, General Counsel
Phone s47F(1)
FOI and Ombudsman Branch
LEGAL SERVICES DIVISION
I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands we live on. I pay my respects to all Elders, past and
present, of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations
s47F(1)

LEX 74480 - Page 53 of 97
_
9
9
9
9
From: FREEDOMOFINFORMATION <xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx> 
Sent: Friday, 3 March 2023 3:17 PM
To: O'Donnell, Lisa 
Cc: s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>; s47F(1)
s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>; s47F(1)
s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>; s47F(1)
s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>
Subject: RE: Seeking DCEO Comment by 6 March 2023– Documents proposed for release (LEX
71589) [SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive, ACCESS=Legal-Privilege]
Hi Lisa
s47C
.
Please let me know if you require any further information.
Kind regards,
s47F(1)
Senior FOI officer
Phone s47F(1)
Information Access Branch
LEGAL SERVICES DIVISION
Email: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
From: O'Donnell, Lisa 
Sent: Friday, 3 March 2023 2:17 PM
s22-duplicate

LEX 74480 - Page 55 of 97
From:
Thorpe, Jonathon
To:
Piazza, Tony; FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
Subject:
Re: Seeking DCEO Comment by 7 March 2023– Documents proposed for release (LEX 71589)
[SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date:
Monday, 6 March 2023 11:53:11 AM
Attachments:
image003.jpg
image004.jpg
image005.jpg
On that basis, this is approved.
Thanks all
Regards
JT
Regards
Jonathon Thorpe
A/g Deputy CEO Customer Service Design
Services Australia
Get Outlook for iOS
From: Piazza, Tony 
Sent: Monday, March 6, 2023 12:20:55 PM
To: Thorpe, Jonathon ; FOI.LEGAL.TEAM 
Subject: RE: Seeking DCEO Comment by 7 March 2023– Documents proposed for release (LEX
71589) [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Hi JT.s47C
 I have cleared.
Tony
Tony Piazza,
General Manager
Phone s47F(1)
Families and Children Division
From: Thorpe, Jonathon 
Sent: Monday, 6 March 2023 12:06 PM
To: FOI.LEGAL.TEAM ; Piazza, Tony 
Subject: RE: Seeking DCEO Comment by 7 March 2023– Documents proposed for release (LEX
71589) [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Tony
s47C
Regards
Jonathon Thorpe
a/g Deputy CEO, CUSTOMER SERVICE DESIGN GROUP
Mobile s47F(1)

LEX 74480 - Page 59 of 97
From: s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au> 
Sent: Thursday, 4 August 2022 2:32 PM
To: s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>
Cc: s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>; s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>; s47F(1)
s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>; s47F(1)
x@xxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>; s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>;
s47E(d)
servicesaustralia.gov.au>; s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>; s47F(1)
s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>; s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>; s47F(1)
s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>; s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>
Subject: RE: Advice please by COB Thurs 4/7- s47C
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LEX 74480 - Page 60 of 97
Hi Jenna,
Thanks for your email.
The team has reviewed current legislations47C
Current legislation
When reviewing current CCS eligibility legislation (see snip below) it references items in relation an individual who is eligible for CCS. s47C
Division 2—Eligibility for child care subsidy
85BA Eligibility for CCS
(1) An individual is eligible for CCS for a session of care provided by an approved child care service to a child if:
(a) at the time the session of care is provided:
(i) the child is an FTB child, or a regular care child, of the individual or the individual’s partner; and
(ii) the child is 13 or under and does not attend secondary school, or the requirements covered by subsection (2) are satisfied; and
(iii) the child meets the immunisation requirements in section 6; and
(iv) the individual, or the individual’s partner, meets the residency requirements in section 85BB; and
(b) the individual, or the individual’s partner, has incurred a liability to pay for the session of care under a complying written
arrangement; and
(c) the session of care:
(i) is provided in Australia; and
(ii) is not provided as part of the compulsory education program in the State or Territory where the care is provided; and
(iii) is not provided in circumstances prescribed by the Minister’s rules; and
(d) Division 5 does not prevent the individual being eligible for CCS for the session of care; and
(e) if the session of care is provided by an approved child care service of a kind prescribed by the Minister’s rules—the Secretary
determines that the requirements prescribed by the Minister’s rules in relation to that kind of service are met.
Note: Complying written arrangement is defined in subsection 200B(3) of the Family Assistance Administration Act
(2) For the purposes of subparagraph (1)(a)(ii), the requirements covered by this subsection are that:
(a) the child is a member of a class prescribed by the Minister’s rules; and
(b) the individual and the approved child care service satisfy any conditions prescribed by the Minister’s rules in relation to the child.
(2A) To avoid doubt, circumstances prescribed by the Minister’s rules for the purposes of subparagraph (1)(c)(iii) may include
circumstances relating to an emergency or disaster.
Note: Emergency or disaster is defined in subsection 205C(2) of the Family Assistance Administration Act
(3) A determination under paragraph (1)(e) is not a legislative instrument.
s47C

LEX 74480 - Page 61 of 97
s47C
Cheers,
s47F(1)
Phone s47F(1)
Child Care Subsidy Programme | Families and Child Care Branch
FAMILIES, CHILDREN AND TARGETED SERVICES DIVISION
From: s47F(1)
@education.gov.au> 
Sent: Wednesday, 3 August 2022 3:58 PM
To: s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>; s47E(d)
servicesaustralia.gov.au>; s47F(1)
s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>; s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>; s47F(1)
s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>
Cc: s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>; s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>; s47F(1)
s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>; s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>; s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>
Subject: Advice please by COB Thurs 4/7- s47C
Caution: Do not click any links or open any attachments unless you trust the sender and believe the content to be safe.
s47C
 

LEX 74480 - Page 62 of 97
s47C
s47F(1)
From: Coker, Joel s47F(1) @servicesaustralia.gov.au> 
Sent: Friday, 29 July 2022 12:33 PM
To: s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>; s47E(d)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>; s47F(1)
s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>; s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>; s47F(1)
s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>
Cc: s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>; s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>; s47F(1)
s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>; s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>; s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>
Subject: RE: Advice please by COB Fri 29/7- s47C
 [SEC=OFFICIAL]
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sender and know the content is safe.
Hi s47F(1)
Thanks for further clarifying the potential change in legislation.
s47C
Cheers,
s47F(1)
Phone s47F(1)
Child Care Subsidy Programme | Families and Child Care Branch
FAMILIES, CHILDREN AND TARGETED SERVICES DIVISION
From: s47F(1)
@education.gov.au> 
Sent: Thursday, 28 July 2022 2:48 PM
LEX 74480 - Page 63 of 97
To: s47E(d)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>; s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>;s47F(1)
s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>; s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>; s47F(1)
s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>
Cc: s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>; s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>; s47F(1)
s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>; s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>; s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>
Subject: FW: Advice please by COB Fri 29/7- s47C
 [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Caution: Do not click any links or open any attachments unless you trust the sender and believe the content to be safe.
s47C
s47F(1)
From: s47F(1)
 
Sent: Thursday, 28 July 2022 10:59 AM
To: s47E(d)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>; s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>; s47F(1)
s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>; s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>; s47F(1)
s47F(1)
@servicesaustralia.gov.au>
Cc: s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>; s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>; s47F(1)
s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>; s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>; s47F(1)
@education.gov.au>
Subject: Advice please by COB Fri 29/7- s47C
Hi SA
Could we please seek your advice on a draft amendment s47C
Apologies for the short timeframe, however could we please receive your advice on the above by COB Friday 29 July (or earlier, if at all
possible!)
Thank you
s47F(1)
s47F(1)
 
 | Subsidies - Implementation| Child Care Markets and Reform | Provider Analytics and Integrity Division | Early Childhood and Youth Group |
Australian Government Department of Education
LEX 74480 - Page 64 of 97
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LEX 74480 - Page 67 of 97
 
Contents 
s22 
 
 
 
 
 
3.1 
Eligibility for CCS by fee reduction .......................................................................................... 8 
s22 
 
3.3 
26 week rule ............................................................................................................................ 8 
s22 
 
 
 
3.4.2  Session of care ‘provided to the child’ ............................................................................................ 10 
s22 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.2.1  Prospective application................................................................................................................... 13 
s22  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2 
 
LEX 74480 - Page 70 of 97
 
s22  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
3.1  Eligibility for CCS by fee reduction 
S67CC of the FA Admin Act sets out when the Secretary must determine an individual is eligible for 
CCS by fee reduction for a child. It also lays out when an individual’s eligibility for CCS by fee 
reduction may cease.  
 
The amendment to s67CC(2)(b) and additions of s67CC(2)(d) and s67CC(2)(e) change how an 
individual’s CCS eligibility may cease. This impacts all CCS eligibility determinations. These 
amendments are set out in detail below. 
 
There are otherwise no amendments to CCS eligibility, so if all other CCS eligibility requirements are 
met then entitlement to CCS is calculated in accordance with provisions of the Administration Act, as 
per business-as-usual processes.   
 
s22 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
3.3  26 week rule  
The new s67CC(2)(d) introduces the 26 week rule. This provides the Secretary may make a cessation 
of eligibility determination if a child has not received a report under s204B indicating that a session 
of care has been provided to the child, in relation to which the individual is the claimant, for at least 
26 consecutive weeks, or a different number of consecutive weeks as prescribed by the Minister’s 
rules. The purpose of being able to change the 26 week period through Minister’s Rules is to allow 
the measure to respond to emerging issues that impact policy integrity or frustrate the policy intent. 
 
Section 67CC(6) provides that a determination that eligibility has ceased ‘has effect from the day 
specified in the determination (which may be earlier than the day the determination is made).’ This 
means the decision maker has discretion as to when the cessation of eligibility will take effect. The 
Secretary may make a determination that ceases eligibility that only has prospective effect, or may 
make a determination with retrospective effect, according to their discretion.   
 
s47C
 
 
8 
 
LEX 74480 - Page 71 of 97
 
s47C
 
  
 
See part 4 for further detail on implementation timing and system flexibility to change the 26 week 
time period. 
 
s22 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
9 
 
LEX 74480 - Page 72 of 97
 
  s22
 
 
3.4.2  Session of care ‘provided to the child’  
As part of the removal of phase 2, the requirement that sessions of care ‘follow the child’ under the 
26 week rule has also been removed, with amendments to section 67CC(2)(d) of the FA Admin Act.  
 
Previously, paragraph 67CC(2)(d) permitted the Secretary to cease an individual’s determination of 
eligibility under subsection 67CC(1) if a session report had not been given to the Secretary for the 
child for at least 26 consecutive weeks. A determination of eligibility is necessary to qualify for CCS 
payments. 
 
The Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Cheaper Child Care) Bill 2022 adds “in relation to 
which the individual is the claimant” after “session of care”, which has the effect that, when the 
Secretary is considering ceasing a determination of eligibility under subsection 67CC(2), the 
Secretary will only look at whether the child has received sessions of care for which that relevant 
individual is the claimant. It would not matter whether or not the child received care for which 
another individual was receiving CCS. 
 
This aligns the legislation with the administration of this provision within the CCS system. 
 
s22 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
10 
 
LEX 74480 - Page 75 of 97
 
s22
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.2.1  Prospective application 
A policy decision was made that the 26 week rule will have prospective application only. This means 
if a standard rate child loses their eligibility due to 26 weeks of no care being provided 
(67CC(2)(d)(i)), the higher rate child will not lose the higher rate of subsidy until the next CCS 
fortnight onwards. s47C
 
 
 
 
s22  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13 
 
OFFICIAL: Sensitive 
LEX 74480 - Page 86 of 97
FAMILY ASSISTANCE LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (PLAN FOR CHEAPER CHILD CARE) BILL 2022 – Lay person explanation of amendments (measure 1 – 
increase to child care subsidy rates) 
Schedule 1 – increasing child care subsidy rates 
Schedule 1 will commence on 1 July 2023. 
Item in Bill 
Effect of item 
Reason for/importance of amendment 
Items 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 
Removing the definitions of the lower, second, 
These are technical amendments to facilitate 
third, fourth and upper income thresholds  
new terminology needed for the new child care 
rates.  
There will now be separate thresholds for the 
majority of children (called “base rate” 
thresholds) and higher rate children (called 
“other rate” thresholds). 
Item 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 
Introducing new definition for: 
Each of these terms represents an income 
 fourth income (other rate) threshold
threshold where the taper changes.  
 lower income (base rate) threshold
 lower income (other rate) threshold
For the majority of children (base rate children), 
 second income (other rate) threshold
the applicable percentage for calculating CCS will 
 third income (other rate) threshold
be 90 until the lower income (base rate) 
 upper income (base rate) threshold
threshold of $80,0000 is reached. It will then 
 upper income (other rate) threshold.
taper down by 1 percentage point per $500 
income until the upper income (base rate) 
threshold of $530,000 is reached.  
For other rate children – generally, the second or 
further child under the age of 5 – the applicable 
percentage will start at 95%. It will taper down to 
until it reaches the second income (other rate) 
threshold, then continue straight until it reaches 
the third income (other rate) threshold, then 
taper down to the fourth income (other rate) 
threshold, then continue straight until the upper 
OFFICIAL: Sensitive 
OFFICIAL: Sensitive 
LEX 74480 - Page 87 of 97
 
income (other rate) threshold, at which point it 
joins the base rate.   
 
 
 
Item 11 
Introducing the new rate for base rate children 
This measure is intended to make the cost of 
 
child care cheaper for all families with an 
This introduces a table that sets out the 
adjusted taxable income under $530,000. 
applicable percentage for base rate children. The   
table states that the percentage will be 90% for 
This means that more families will fall below the 
families on incomes under $80,000, and 0% for 
upper income threshold and will be entitled to 
families on incomes over $530,000.  
receive CCS, whereas previously they may not 
 
have been entitled to CCS at all. 
 
In particular, families earning $80,000 or less will 
now get 90% of the CCS hourly rate. In other 
words, not only will more families be entitled to 
receive the highest percentage of the hourly CCS 
rate, but that percentage has also been raised, 
meaning that they will also be entitled to a 
higher rate of CCS. 
Item 12 
Introduces the percentage for families between 
This measure is intended to make the cost of 
$80,000 and $530,000 
child care cheaper for all families with an 
 
adjusted taxable income under $530,000. 
This item introduces a formula that states that 
 
the percentage between $80,000 and $530,000 
This amendment means that individuals earning 
will taper down from 90% for each $5,000 over 
between $80,000 and $530,000, the percentage 
$80,000 the family earns.   
of the hourly CCS rate they are entitled to will go 
down by 1 percent for every $5,000 above 
$80,000 they earn.   
Item 13 
Removes a formula no longer needed 
The formula was previously used to calculate the 
 
percentage for the old CCS rates, but the new 
 
 
OFFICIAL: Sensitive 
OFFICIAL: Sensitive 
LEX 74480 - Page 88 of 97
 
CCS rates are simpler and only require one 
formula.  
 
 
Item 14 
Defines lower income (base rate) threshold and 
This means that all families on incomes less that 
upper income (base rate) threshold 
$80,000 will have their CCS entitlement 
 
calculated at 90% of their fees (subject to the fee 
This item provides that the lower income (base 
cap). However, this amount will be indexed over 
rate) threshold is $80,000.  
time under Schedule 4 to the Family Assistance 
 
Act. 
This item also provides that the upper income 
 
(base rate) threshold is $450,000 more than the 
At commencement, this also means that families 
lower income (base rate) threshold.  
with incomes over $530,000 will not be entitled 
  
to any CCS. However, this will also increase over 
team as the $80,000 is indexed. 
Item 16 
Amendment to the definition of “higher rate 
This is needed because if the family earns over 
child” 
the old upper rate threshold (approximately 
 
$360,000), their CCS rates for second and further 
This adds a criteria to the definition of higher 
children will be the same as their CCS rate for 
rate child, so that a child is only a “higher rate 
their first child.   
child” if the relevant individual’s adjusted taxable 
income is below the upper income (other rate) 
threshold.  
 
Items 15 and 17 
Introduces the percentage for higher rate 
This amendment means that families who have 
children – second and further children under 5 
several children in child care will receive a higher 
years old 
rate of child care subsidy. 
 
 
These items introduce the percentage for higher 
This is done by identifying a “higher rate child” of 
rate children.  
an individual who will attract more CCS than a 
 
“standard rate child”. To determine who the 
Subclause (2) provides that if the base rate is 
higher rate child is, you will need to look at 
higher than the other rate, the base rate is 
Clause 3B(1) of Schedule 2. 
 
OFFICIAL: Sensitive 
OFFICIAL: Sensitive 
LEX 74480 - Page 89 of 97
 
applicable. This is needed because due to 
 
indexation, the tapers of the base rate and other 
These amendments mean that if you earn 
rate may overlap. The policy intent is that if they 
approximately $360,000 or less, then the 
do, the higher rate will be applicable.  
percentage of the hourly CCS rate you are 
 
entitled to receive will be 30% more than the old 
Subclauses (3) to (5) set out the applicable 
CCS rates.  
percentage according to the table in subclause 
 
(3) and the formula in subclauses (4) and (5).  
The maximum amount a person can receive for 
 
their higher rate child is 95%.  
The percentage for higher rate children starts off 
 
at 95%, then starts to taper down under 
 
subclause (4), then stays straight at 80% for a 
while, then starts to taper down under subclause 
(5), then will stay straight at 50% for a while 
before joining the base rate.  
 
Subclause (6) defines the income thresholds. 
These are the same as currently in the legislation, 
to reflect the policy that the rates for higher rate 
children will remain unchanged up to 
approximately $360,000. 
Item 18 
Makes a consequential change to the lower 
Currently, families on incomes of $72,466 can get 
income activity test result 
the lower income activity test result of 24 under 
 
clause 13 of Schedule 2 to the Family Assistance 
This substitutes the new “lower income (base 
Act.  
rate) threshold” of $80,000 for the maximum 
 
income for which the lower income activity test 
This means even if their activity level is very low, 
result applies.  
they can still access up to 24 hours of subsidised 
care per fortnight due to their low income. 
 
Following these changes, this activity test result 
will be available for families with incomes up to 
$80,000.  
 
OFFICIAL: Sensitive 
OFFICIAL: Sensitive 
LEX 74480 - Page 90 of 97
 
Items 19 to 20 
Ensures that the lower income thresholds are 
Amounts that are not indexed can erode over 
indexed 
time due to inflation. For example, $100 in 2020 
 
stretched further than $100 does in 2022. 
These amendments ensure that the lower 
 
income thresholds are indexed, in the same way 
These amendments ensure that the lower 
as under the previous rates. 
income thresholds are indexed, so that as prices 
 
and wages rise over time, the thresholds for CCS 
rise commensurately, rather than eroding away 
with inflation.  
Item 21 
Application provision ensuring the amendments  This application provision is needed because it is 
start at the beginning of a CCS fortnight 
not practicable for the department to change the 
 
rates midway through a CCS week. This would 
While the Schedule commences on 1 July 2023, 
involve an entitlement decision for a week 
this means that the new rates will not apply until 
having different rates for some days in a week 
the beginning of the first CCS fortnight of the 
than others. 
new year, which will be 10 July 2023.  
 
Instead, the new rates will come in at the start of 
a CCS fortnight, which will make the transition 
much smoother. 
  
 
 
 
 
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FAMILY ASSISTANCE LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (PLAN FOR CHEAPER CHILD CARE) BILL 2022 – Lay person explanation of amendments (measure 2 – 
improving transparency) 
Schedule 2 – profit reporting by large child care providers 
Schedule 2 will commence on 1 July 2023. 
Item in Bill 
Effect of item 
Reason for/importance of amendment 
Items 1, 2 
Removing the definition of “large centre-based 
These are technical amendments to facilitate 
day care provider” and inserting a new 
new terminology needed for the transparency 
definition for “large child care provider” 
measure.  
 
The family assistance law previously included a 
regime to ensure the financial viability for large 
centre-based day care provider. The new 
transparency scheme will build on this but 
expand it to apply to large providers regardless 
of the kind of service they operate.  
Items 3, 4 
Amending the definition of “large child care 
This measure is intended to capture all large child 
provider” 
care providers regardless of whether they 
 
operate centre-based care services, outside 
The family assistance law previously included a 
school hours care services, family day care 
regime to ensure the financial viability for large 
services, etc.  
centre-based day care provider. The new 
 
transparency scheme will build on this but 
This definition ensures that a provider will be 
expand it to apply to large providers regardless 
captured by the transparency regime if they 
of the kind of service they operate. 
operate 25 or more approved child care service, 
 
including if they do so together with a related 
 
provider, or if they plan to do so in future.  
 
 
 
 
Items 5 to 9, 12 
Consequential amendments to reflect change in 
These are technical amendments to facilitate 
terminology 
new terminology needed for the transparency 
 
measure. 
 
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These amendments replace the term “large 
centre-based care provider” from the old 
legislation to the new term “large child care 
provider”, to reflect that the measure covers all 
large providers, regardless of service type.  
 
Item 10 
Introduces an obligation for large child care 
This measure is intended to increase 
providers to report financial information 
transparency in the child care sector by requiring 
 
all large providers to report certain financial 
This item introduces a new provision requiring 
information to the Secretary. That information 
large child care providers to give the Secretary a 
can then be published online (see below).  
report for a financial year, setting out certain 
 
financial information.  
The information will be given in a form and 
 
manner approved by the Secretary, and include 
 
the financial information to be prescribed by the 
Minister’s Rules.  
 
If the provider fails to do so, they will be liable to 
a civil penalty of 60 penalty units. They will also 
be in breach of a condition of continued 
approval, and could be subject to a sanction such 
as cancellation or suspension.  
Item 11 
Consequential change for the new reporting 
This is a technical amendment to reflect the new 
obligation 
financial reporting obligation.  
 
 
This item expands the application of section 
203C, which allows the Secretary to require a 
provider to be audited, so that this audit power 
may be exercised on the basis of information 
collected under the new provision.  
 
Item 13 
Introduces a definition for ABN 
New section 162B will permit the Secretary to 
  
publish certain information about a provider, 
 
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including the provider’s ABN. This is a technical 
amendment to provide a definition for “ABN”.  
Item 14 
Introduces a power to public information about 
This measure is intended to provider greater 
approved provider 
transparency regarding the child care sector by 
 
allowing the Secretary to publish information 
This item introduces a new provision that will 
online about an approved provider.  
allow the Secretary to publish, by electronic 
 
means, certain information about the provider. 
The information that may be published about 
 
any provider includes the name of the provider, 
Subsection (2) clarifies that this is not a breach of  the approved provider’s ABN, the name of each 
the Privacy Act.  
child care service, the fees charged by the 
 
service, and any increases in fees. 
Subsection (3) sets out the constitutional basis 
 
for this provision.  
The Secretary may also publish financial 
 
information reported to the Secretary under new 
section 203BA.   
 
 
 
 
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FAMILY ASSISTANCE LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (PLAN FOR CHEAPER CHILD CARE) BILL 2022 – Lay person explanation of amendments (measure 8 – 
integrity measures) 
Schedule 3 – Dealing with serious non-compliance 
Items 1 to 4 will commence the day this Act receives Royal Assent. Items 5 to 9 will commence on 1 July 2023 
Item in Bill 
Effect of item 
Reason for/importance of amendment 
Items 1 to 3 
Moving the requirement to have arrangements 
Compliance with the family assistance law is 
in place to comply with the family assistance 
essential for providers. As part of the fit and 
law into the eligibility rules 
proper person test, this was just a single 
 
consideration among many which were relevant 
Currently, providers must be fit and proper 
to determining whether the provider is a fit and 
persons in order to continue as approved 
proper person.  
providers. One of the considerations as to 
 
whether they are fit and proper persons is 
This amendment will promote the importance of 
whether they have arrangements in place to 
having arrangements in place to ensure 
ensure that they have arrangements in place to 
compliance, by making it a rule in its own right, 
ensure that they and their staff and contractors 
rather than just being part of the eligibility rules. 
comply with the family assistance law. 
If the provider does not have suitable 
 
arrangements in place, they will be in breach of 
This requirement will now be moved into the 
the eligibility rules, regardless of other fit and 
provider eligibility rules and the service eligibility 
proper person considerations.  
rules.  
 
The intent is not to change the obligation, but 
merely to give it a higher status by making it an 
eligibility rule in its own right.  
 
 
Items 4 
Application provision to determine when the 
This is a technical amendment to clarify when the 
new change takes effect 
change in legislation takes effect for decisions 
 
that are underway at the time of 
 
commencement. 
 
 
 
 
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Items 5 to 7 
Introduces a new requirement to collect gap 
This measure is intended to achieve a greater 
fees by electronic funds transfer 
level of payment integrity by ensuring that there 
 
will be reliable electronic records of all gap fee 
Section 201B(1) currently requires a provider to 
payments. 
take all reasonable steps to ensure that 
 
individuals pay the provider the gap fee. Item 6 
There is a high level of correlation between 
will introduce the words “using an electronic 
services that do not collect gap fees, and services 
funds transfer system” so that, by default, gap 
that falsely report care. If parents are not obliged 
fees must be collected electronically.  
to pay for care, it makes it easier for services to 
 
report care that isn’t occurring to get payments 
Item 7 provides that the Secretary may 
of CCS they are not entitled to. 
determine exceptions in exceptional 
 
circumstances. This may be applicable where the 
This measure will address this by ensuring the 
technology is unavailable, or where the 
department can request reliable information of 
requirement to collect gap fees electronically 
electronic gap fee payments. 
would otherwise have an adverse impact on the 
 
customers of the provider.  
However, the department acknowledges that in 
 
some rare instances electronic gap fee payment 
is not feasible or appropriate. Therefore, there is 
a power for the Secretary to create exceptions. 
Items 8 and 9 
Moves the requirements for a session report 
This measure is intended to make it easier to 
into the Secretary’s Rules 
prove non-compliance where session reports do 
 
not contain all the information that is required.  
Currently, a session report must contain the 
 
information required by the Secretary. This is 
The Secretary’s Rules will be an authoritative 
done partly through software, and partly through  source for what information is required to be 
the Child Care Provider Handbook. However, 
included in a session report, and it will be easier 
these are just administrative documents, which 
to track what was required at a certain point of 
can make it difficult to prove what was required 
time by using past compilations on 
at a particular point in time in the past, 
legislation.gov.au.  
particularly in litigation.  
 
 
 
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This will also create better clarity for providers 
about what their obligations are. 
 
 
 
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