Single Parents Overview

Being a Defence family is challenging enough, add to that the logistics of managing a family solo and you have an amazing single parent!

The 2007 Defence Census noted that five percent of full-time ADF members with dependent children living with them were sole parents, unchanged from the time of the 2003 Census. As in 2003, female members were more likely to be sole parents than were male members (20% versus 3%). The average number of removals reported since becoming a sole parent was 1.7, up from 1.4 in 2003.

Similar to the findings in 2003, the majority of members in 2007 who had children from a previous relationship living elsewhere paid maintenance (81%, down from 84%). Males were much more likely (83%) to pay maintenance for these children than were females (50%). The average amount paid per week was $169 (up from $149 in 2003).

Defence Families of Australia is working with the ADF, the Child Support Agency and other government agencies on a range of issues affecting Defence Single Parents. Check out the Single Parents News section below for the latest updates. If you need assistance or wish DFA to advocate on a particular issue affecting many families email convenor@dfa.org.au.

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Learn more about:
Defence Support for Single Parents
Resources for Single Parents
Tips for Single Parents