On Sunday, 31 January 2021 the McGowan Government announced a snap 5-day lockdown for the following regions: Perth Metropolitan, Peel, and the South West Regions. The Stay at Home and Closure (Perth, Peel and the South West Regions) Directive ("5-day Lockdown Directive") came into effect on Sunday, 31 January 2021 at 6.12pm. The short lockdown will start at 6pm on Sunday, 31 January 2021 and will conclude at 6pm on Friday, 5 February 2021.
Paragraph 8 of the 5-day Lockdown Directive requires a person, who has more than one home, to choose one as a principal place of residence for the lockdown period. A person is not defined in the 5-day Lockdown Directive. Therefore, it is open to interpretation that such a reference includes children. One of the exceptions to this paragraph relates to separated families that have care arrangements in place due to Court orders or due to other arrangements. A person can move between two homes if it is done in compliance with the care arrangements captured in the Court order or pursuant to the other arrangements between the parents.
It is best practice to ensure that during this lockdown period you have a copy of your Court orders, parenting plan, or any written agreement about the care arrangements for your child or children with you when travelling between homes. If you are unsure about what to do, then it is best to get independent legal advice as soon as possible.
Our family lawyers are successfully working remotely during the lockdown, if you need advice please visit our contact us page to submit an enquiry or contact your preferred office directly.