Public Gatherings and Regional Travel Restrictions

01/04/2020

The WA Government has now introduced further restrictions on certain gatherings to assist in reducing the spread of COVID-19.

The prohibition on public gatherings of more than two (2) persons does not apply to courts (including courtrooms and hearing rooms), as courts are essential services, and a gathering at a court is not a prohibited gathering under the Prohibited Gathering Directions dated 31 March 2020 (see here). Nevertheless, the gathering of persons at the Family Court is being kept to the minimum necessary to allow the essential services to be provided. All persons attending the court must also remain vigilant in relation to required social distancing and hygiene practices.

The WA Government has also introduced further restrictions on travel within Western Australia (see here for more details). A person will not be in breach of these restrictions if they are fulfilling their obligations under a parenting plan, parenting order of a court or other parenting arrangement. You should seek independent legal advice if you have any further queries (see here for assistance). You may be required to provide a copy of the relevant court order as evidence of necessary movement between regions. Please visit the Family Court of WA website here to see how you can obtain a copy of a Family Court order.