Akif and Ahmadi

In the matter of Akif and Ahmadi, heard by Faulks DCJ, the dispute concerned parenting arrangements for two young people, AK and A, and the father's conduct towards them and their mother, Ms Akif. The court was required to make orders regarding the residence of the children, parental responsibility, and the father's contact and proximity to the mother and children. Additionally, the court had to consider protective measures for the mother and children and the father's obligations concerning information sharing about the children's schooling and health.

The court determined that the young people, AK and A, would live with their mother, Ms Akif, and that she would have sole parental responsibility for them. Notwithstanding this primary arrangement, the mother was ordered to keep the father informed about the children's schools, provide him with reports upon request, and advise him of any serious illness or hospitalisation of the children, directing medical professionals to provide him with relevant information at his expense. The mother was also to provide the father with written updates on the children's activities twice yearly and respond positively to any inquiries from the children about their father. Crucially, the father was restrained from threatening, abusing, assaulting, or molesting Ms Akif or the young people, and prohibited from approaching within 200 metres of their premises or attending their schools or sporting events without prior written consent.

The court's reasoning centred on the welfare and protection of the children and the mother. The orders for the children to live with the mother and for her to have sole parental responsibility reflect a determination of their best interests. The detailed provisions for the father's access to information and limited, supervised contact, alongside the significant restraining orders, indicate a concern for the safety and well-being of Ms Akif and the young people. The court applied principles of family law concerning parental responsibility, child welfare, and the need for protection from family violence, as evidenced by the reference to section 68C of the *Family Law Act 1975*. The orders were made for the personal protection of Ms Akif, AK, and A, with clear consequences outlined for any breach.