The Truth About Child Support in Australia- with Terese Edwards

Child support. Say those two words and most people think it's simple, one parent transfers money to the other, end of story. But if you've been through it, you know that's not even close to the truth. In this episode I sit down with Terese Edwards, CEO of Single Mother Families Australia, who has spent over 15 years fighting for single parents at the highest levels of government. We talk about how child support can be weaponised, why so many women end up trapped in a system that was supposed to protect them, and what's actually changing after the biggest reforms since 1988. Terese pulls back the curtain on the reports, the research, and the real stories behind the numbers, including why 25% of child support payments are $10 a week or less, and how private collect arrangements quietly leave women with no record and no recourse. We also get into the emotional side of all this, the guilt, the pressure to just be the bigger person, and why so many women stay silent. This one is heavy in places but it's also full of hope. Terese has been in the room when the changes were announced, and she shares what's coming, what to hold on for, and why she genuinely believes we're in a turning point. If you've ever felt like the system was working against you instead of for you, this conversation will make you feel seen.Single Mother Families AustraliaSingle Mother Families Australia (Facebook)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.