Guardianship Arrangements

Australians have a casual approach to many things in life. That's one of the reasons Australia is such an easy place to live in.

However, Australians are also very committed to the care and protection of children in their society. So their casual attitude is balanced by certain codes of behaviour with regard to children. And these informal 'codes' are supported by legislation in specific areas for the protection of the younger generation.

In particular, Australians pay special care and attention to the education of not only their own, but all children, and to carrying out their responsibilities in related areas.

Your responsibilities

Parents in Australia are usually actively involved in the education of their children.

This involvement is strengthened through contact with teachers at gatherings such as Parent-Teacher nights, at which parents may discuss the education of their children with the school teacher.

It is also not unusual for teachers to contact parents to raise particular matters about their child's progress at school.

If you intend to leave Australia, even for short periods, you should make guardianship arrangements for your children, especially if they are minors. You need to nominate an adult who can accept responsibility for your children, and who can be contacted by the school or others if the need arises.