The Queensland Government announced that Greater Brisbane would go into a 3-day lockdown from 5pm Monday 29 March 2021 to 5pm Thursday 1 April 2021 (with daily updates to advise whether this will be extended). During this time, the community can only leave their homes for essential reasons including grocery shopping, exercise, work and medical and compassionate reasons.

The Greater Brisbane area includes:

• Brisbane City Council;
• Logan City Council;
• Redland City Council;
• Morton Bay Regional Council; and
• Ipswich City Council.

While we have been through this before, this can be a confusing time for separated parents who have parenting arrangements in place which require a changeover during this 3-day lockdown period.

Previously the Queensland Government provided an exception to the lock restrictions if you had existing parenting Court Orders which you were required to comply with. This means that you were permitted to leave your home to facilitate those parenting arrangements to provide that the children can see both parents. The Queensland Government has indicated that anyone who is in Greater Brisbane from 5pm 29 March 2021 or who enters for a permitted purpose must remain in the area for the duration unless one of 6 exceptions apply. One of these exceptions is ‘fulfil a shared parenting or child contact arrangement’.  This means that parents should continue to comply with their parenting Orders, Parenting Plans and arrangements for the children with their former partner.

Queensland Health have issued the following FAQ answer to assist with parenting arrangements during lockdown :-

I am meant to have custody of my child this weekend, is this still allowed?

For children under 18 who do not live in the same household as their parents or one of their parents – leaving the place of residence is allowed, to continue existing arrangements for access to, and contact between, parents and children – as long as this does not include contact with people who are vulnerable to COVID-19, for example someone aged over 70.

I have child custody arrangements in/out of the lockdown area. Can I visit/travel with my child or to get my child?

For children under 18 who do not live in the same household as their parents or one of their parents – leaving the place of residence or entering an impacted area is allowed, to continue existing arrangements for access to, and contact between, parents and children – As long as this does not include contact with people who are vulnerable to COVID-19, for example someone aged over 70.

However, if you leave an impacted area you must continue to abide by the lockdown restrictions.

Our office remains open remotely to ensure the safety of our staff and clients. Our Solicitors are available via email, telephone and Zoom to speak with you. We remain available and committed to ensuring that you reach a speedy resolution in relation to your parenting matters.

If you have any concerns about your parenting matters, please contact us today on (07) 3532 3826 to arrange a fixed fee initial consultation with one of our solicitors.