Join this session to unpack the role and reach of Parenting Orders in the Australian legal system, with a particular focus on their implications for schools. Gain clarity on your role and responsibilities when working with families subject to Parenting Orders and learn how to support children effectively while complying with legal requirements.
Tuesday, 11 November 2025
Chair:
Dr Steven Middleton, Associate Principal, St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar
1.00pm to 2.00pm Parenting Orders: What are They, What Can They Address and What Do You Need to Know?
- What are parenting Orders and do they bind schools?
- What types of parenting issues are included in Orders?
- How might schools be affected by Orders?
- Suggested best practice guidelines and practical examples
Presented by Craig Turvey, Special Counsel, Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers
Description
For Teachers: Attend and earn 1 Professional Development Hour (NSW, VIC) / CPD Point (QLD, WA, SA)
For Lawyers: Attend and earn 1 CPD unit in Substantive Law
This program is applicable to practitioners from all States & Territories
Presenters
Dr Steven Middleton, Associate Principal, St Margaret’s Berwick GrammarDr Steven Middleton is an accomplished educational leader with close to 30 years of experience across several leading Independent Schools. Holding a Doctorate in Education from The University of Melbourne, Dr Middleton has a profound commitment to enhancing student and staff well being, promoting academic excellence, and fostering community engagement. As Associate Principal at St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar, Dr Middleton has been instrumental in leading strategic initiatives that have significantly improved academic results and school culture. Dr Middleton’s leadership style is marked by strategic vision, educational innovation, and a genuine commitment to developing inclusive, supportive school environments. His extensive experience and research focus on leadership and character education make him a respected figure in the educational community. Dr Middleton has both a professional and personal interest in legal matters to pertaining to schools.
Craig Turvey, Special Counsel, Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers
Craig advises clients in complex property settlement matters involving trusts and corporate entities across multiple jurisdictions. He regularly prepares binding financial agreements and other documents to formalise property settlements for his clients and he has a strong commercial focus. Craig has considerable experience in children’s matters and has represented clients in the Magellan List, which involves the most serious child abuse cases. While he prefers, if possible, to resolve matters by negotiation, Craig regularly appears in contested proceedings in the Federal Circuit and Family Court to protect his clients’ interests. Craig has previously been recognised as a Family Law Rising Star in the Doyles Guide to the Australian Legal Profession, and as a leading author in the Lexology Legal Influencers list.
This seminar is part of a series
School Law In Focus
Empower your leadership team by attending our School Law Webinar Series, crafted specifically for school leaders navigating today’s complex legal landscape. This engaging series offers practical guidance on key legal issues affecting school operations—from student and parent rights and parenting orders, to workplace investigations and procedures for return to work after injury. Gain practical strategies for assessing risk associated with school sport and consider the reasonable steps that you need to take to keep your students and your school safe. Led by top education law experts, each session delivers actionable insights to help principals make informed decisions and stay ahead of legal changes. Flexible online access ensures you can learn on your schedule while earning professional development credits. Make it easy & save by registering for the full series or just the sessions that interest you. Watch each session live online or as an on-demand recording.
Description
Teachers attending the entire series earn 5 Professional Development Hours (NSW, VIC) / CPD Points (QLD, WA, SA)
Lawyers attending the entire series earn 5 CPD units in Substantive Law
This program is applicable to practitioners from all States & Territories
If you register for the full series as a live online product after the date of an individual session, you will be sent the recording for the sessions that have passed. Alternatively, you can register for individual sessions by following the links below.
View series listing
