Good and sufficient reason before initiating an obligations failure

You need to be satisfied that the client does not have a good and sufficient reason for failing to meet their obligations, based on the information you have, before you initiate an obligations failure.

The guiding principle in determining 'good and sufficient' reason is one of 'reasonableness'.

Having considered the circumstances, was it reasonable for the client not to have met their obligations?

For social obligations you will need to assess whether the client is taking all reasonable steps to meet all of their social obligations for each dependent child.

Good and sufficient reasons will depend on the obligation the client has failed.

For more information see:

• Social obligations All reasonable steps to meet social obligations
• Good and sufficient reasons for failing to comply with a social obligation
• Good and sufficient reason not meeting work or work preparation obligations
• Drug test obligation failures good and sufficient reasons
• Good and sufficient reason for not meeting work ability assessment obligation
• Good and sufficient reason for failing obligation to work with a contracted service provider

Decide in favour of the client if any doubt remains.

If you are aware that the client has a good and sufficient reason, do not initiate an obligations failure.

If the client does not have a good and sufficient reason, see:

• Effect of sanctions on assistance
• Failing more than one obligation at the same time

A client can dispute the decision to initiate the obligations failure or the sanction.

For more information see:

• Disputes and reviews of an obligations failure