Purpose of Act
The purpose of this Act is to provide for the protection of
children.
5 Application of principles
(1) This Act is to be administered under the principles stated in
this division.
(2) All other principles stated in this Act are subject to the
principle stated in section 5A.
5A Paramount principle
The main principle for administering this Act is that the
safety, wellbeing and best interests of a child are paramount.
Example—
If the chief executive is making a decision under this Act about a child
where there is a conflict between the child’s safety, wellbeing and best
interests, and the interests of an adult caring for the child, the conflict
must be resolved in favour of the child’s safety, wellbeing and best
interests