SGM.
We both handed over out tax returns, and I was quite prepared to show what I had earned since DD was born.
His tax return showed he was earning very little, but he wouldn't provide any for previous years, and then he came up with the breakdown story. They're not daft and see that he suddenly scaled down his lifestyle as soon as he found out he'd have to pay maintenance.
He's put a few things through his business account which he shouldn't, and they acknowledge he may well be doing cash in hand work.
He claims his parents give him money and that's how he manages when his rent and food alone are twice what he claims he earns.
I got together everything I could to show him as a liar (including an e-mail from his Dad, telling me that he will be telling his son to support DD, which kinda blows the story about his parents giving him money), which wasn't easy given I haven't seen him in 6 years and we are on opposite sides of the world but it was enough to prove what he is capable of earning.
He really tripped himself up when he claimed he was upset at not having contact details for DD. I proved DD and I still live in the house that ex and I had originally rented together.
That's where what he is capable of earning comes into it. They don't buy his story, but can't do much about it, so they tell him he has to earn more than he is and pay me more.
I doubt he will voluntarily pay anything, but they can take money from him, they've done it twice already, and will keep doing it.
In comparison, when he lived here, the CSA in this country told me he said he didn't live at the address they had for him, so they couldn't help me
I'm lucky really that he does live in Oz, they traced him for me, I still have no idea here he lives, and all I had was his Dad's address and details of where we lived together, which was an entirely different state.
I'm still gutted he turned into such an arse, I hate having DD know that but I guess money, even if taken from him is better than nothing, and at least I never have to see him again.