Can my spouse study in Australia on a Student Dependent VIsa?
What happens if my child is born in Australia?
What is the law regarding the safety of babies and children in cars?
Can I leave my children at home unattended?
What services are available for parents?

Can my spouse study in Australia on a Student Dependent Visa?

Adult family members who are here on a Student Dependent Visa are only permitted to study for three months (full or part time), after which they must apply for their own Student Visa and satisfy DIAC requirements. Spouses who wish to undertake formal study for longer than three months in Australia need to meet all institutional admission requirements including English language testing, and will have to pay international student tuition fees. For more information on studying in Australia, visit the Study in Australia website.

What happens if my child is born in Australia?

Be sure to take birth registration documents (Birth Certificate, Birth Registration Form) along with your and your spouse's passports to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) to add your child's details to your travel documents. Failure to do so may create complications should your family plan to leave and return to Australia during the course of your studies. Please note: Regardless of whether or not your child is born in Australia, they will automatically inherit the citizenship of their parents. Also see: Pregnancy information

Back to top

What is the law regarding the safety of babies and children in cars?

Queensland law requires babies to be secured in specially designed baby capsules when travelling in cars. The Queensland Ambulance Service helps new families ensure their babies have a safe start to life by providing a baby capsule hire service. Hiring a baby capsule makes good economic sense as a unit costs up to $200, but it can be hired for approximately $60 for six months. This includes fitting by an Ambulance Officer.

Parents can make an appointment by contacting the Queensland Ambulance Service 1300 369 003 (Monday to Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm) to arrange fitting of the capsule and its return. It is advisable to order the capsule at least 6 weeks before the baby is born.

Note: Queensland law also requires that children be restrained by a seat belt and ride only in the back seat of vehicles. The RACQ road safety section has detailed information on child restraints and safety.

Back to top

Can I leave my children at home unattended?

Children need to be developmentally ready to assume the responsibility of being left at home alone. Try and seek alternative options (such as formal childcare or a babysitter) before leaving a child alone. Parents are expected to make reasonable decisions about their children's safety and it is essential that you take into account factors such as the age and maturity of the child, how long you will be absent from the home, the ability of the child to seek help in an emergency and to contact you if needed.

In many cultures, it may be common for children to care for brothers and sisters. While different societies have different customs, in Queensland, there is a legal obligation for parents to make sure that children are properly looked after.

Do not leave infants, toddlers or young children alone under any circumstance.

The Home Alone brochure produced by the Queensland Department of Communities provides more information and tips on what your child needs to know and be capable of doing before you consider leaving them at home alone.

Back to top

What services are available for parents?

Campus and community services available to parents:
UQ Family and Parenting Support Centre	Offers a range of supports to parents of infants, toddlers, children attending preschool and primary school, and teenagers.
Triple P - Positive Parenting Program	Triple P can help parents through individual consultations, group programs, seminars and self help materials. See website for more details.
Family Room	Gatton Campus: Located in Room 115, Building 8117 (NRSM): Equipped with a refrigerator, sink, microwave, cot, comfortable armchairs, table and chairs, and a baby change table Bathroom facilities including a baby change table are located nearby Ipswich Campus: Located in the UQ Union area on Level 1, Building 8: Equipped with a refrigerator, sink, baby change table, comfortable armchair, table and chairs, child's bed, and toys.
Playgroups	Playgroup is an informal session where parents, carers, and children (aged from 0-5 years) meet together in a relaxed environment to socialize and play together. They are set up and run by parents and carers. Playgroup activities are either free or low cost, and may include music and singing, imaginative play, outdoor and free play, art and craft activities and outings. Available for all ages. To locate and join an existing playgroup in your local area, call the Playgroup Association on 1800 171 882 (free call); or email: info@playgroupqld.com.au
Parentline	Confidential telephone counselling service aimed at providing professional counselling and support for parents. T: 1300 30 1300
Kidsafe Queensland	Kidsafe is a dedicated organisation that aims to help prevent unintentional death and injury to children.
State Library of Queensland – Children's Corner	Located in South Brisbane on the corner of Peel and Stanley Streets (near Southbank). Children’s Corner is open daily from 10am to 4pm, where parents can bring children under the age of 8, and find stimulating exhibitions and fun materials. Online activities for children from 3 to 16 years of age also available, including a homework club!

Back to top