Check consent before an Australian passport is sought for a child
Key facts
- Human involvement
- YellowClose supervision
- How AI is used
- List each person the file treats as having parental responsibility, and whether a written consent to the passport is on the file. Do not decide that a passport should issue, and do not write the application.
- What the lawyer must review
- The lawyer decides the next step. The court fact sheet says that before an Australian passport can be issued, the law requires the written consent of each person with parental responsibility. That is usually the parents, and may include grandparents or other relatives. If all of them consent in writing, the application can be lodged at an authorised Australia Post office or an Australian Passport Office. If they do not, a written request can be made to the Approved Senior Officer of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to consider special circumstances. The fact sheet says that if that request does not succeed, a court order permitting travel can be sought, and the court will permit international travel only if it is in the child's best interests. The passport office and the special-circumstances criteria were not opened. If the child has already left Australia without permission, the fact sheet says to contact the Attorney-General's Department on 1800 100 480. The lawyer writes any application and the evidence that must be filed with it.
- Written for / version
- US
Open a jurisdiction version of this task to see which instruments apply: US
Who does what
| Role | What they do |
|---|---|
| Assistance | List each person the file treats as having parental responsibility, and whether a written consent to the passport is on the file. Do not decide that a passport should issue, and do not write the application. |
| Lawyer | Set the scope, supervise the work closely, verify every part relied on, resolve omissions and exceptions, and approve the exact output. |
Checklist
- List every person the file treats as having parental responsibility, not only the parents.
- Do not treat a special-circumstances request as granted. The fact sheet says a court order is the next step if it fails.
- Do not write the passport application or the court evidence.
Sources
- Federal Circuit and Family Court, children and international travel after family separation · 2026-10-22
These are suggested working checks. Confirm the required checking with the responsible lawyer before work starts; the checking approach does not establish permission to use AI.