Yes, the Stat Dec shows his intention at that time.

The Court will not be completely interested in his intention at that time - the Court must look at what is in the best interests of the children at the time the application is made. Look at s60CC of the Family Law Act 1975 which sets out what the Court must consider when making Orders in respect to children.

I talk to people about this every day - I'm a barrister whose main practice is in family law.