Joe Hockey (North Sydney, Liberal Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

That is a very detailed question. I stand to be corrected, but I understand that each year 1,800 people with a debt to the Child Support Agency are prevented from leaving the country. We expect that number to increase quite significantly as a result of this new initiative. Do not hold me to the exact figure of 1,800, but it is about that number. As for language barriers, I am sure they would be addressed. Stopping someone from leaving the country is not an easy process, as I am sure the member would be aware, but it is done as a matter of last resort. Obviously, with this new initiative we will expand that program.

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