While a large proportion of the state are subject to Stay at Home Orders, the NSW Government has given a reprieve to children who live across 2 households.
The Stay at Home Orders which apply to those living and working in the Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Blue Mountains and Wollongong areas caused many to be concerned that they would not see their children (or parents) for the duration of the ‘lockdown’. However the Public Health Order issued by Health Minister Brad Hazzard includes “reasonable excuses” for not complying with the Order, one of which is “to give effect to new and existing arrangements for access to, and contact between, parents and children or siblings”.
This means that even if the children or a parent live in a “lockdown area”, the parents are still permitted to transport the children between their respective homes, so children can continue to spend time with each parent and their siblings.
The position of the Family Law Courts has not changed, and Chief Justice Will Alstergren continues to encourage parents to try to reach a practical solution, and be sensible and reasonable in their consideration of the issue, in light of the difficulties being experienced across the country.
