BANNISTER & JEFFS

This matter concerned parenting orders made by Judge Harland in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. The proceedings involved a dispute between the mother and father regarding the living arrangements and time spent with their child, X. The court was required to determine the specific orders concerning the child's residence, the father's time with the child, and various ancillary matters related to the child's welfare and the parents' conduct.

The court was tasked with establishing a comprehensive parenting arrangement that addressed the child's best interests. This included defining the primary residence of the child, detailing the specific periods of time the child would spend with the father, including during school holidays and on specific occasions like Father's Day. Furthermore, the court needed to make orders regarding the suspension of the father's time on certain occasions, such as Mother's Day and the child's birthday, and to regulate communication and information sharing between the parents concerning the child's health and education. The court also addressed the need for professional intervention, including the engagement of a speech therapist and the preparation of a family report.

In reaching its decision, the court made orders reflecting a detailed schedule for the child's time with each parent, including provisions for school holidays and specific weekends. The court also imposed restrictions on the father's ability to make medical appointments without the mother's consent and recommended medical advice. Crucially, the court ordered the preparation of a family report pursuant to section 62G(2) of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), which would inform the court on matters relevant to the child's welfare and best interests, including the child's views and the factors outlined in sections 60CC, 61DA, and 65DAA of the Act. The court also mandated a post-separation parenting course for both parents and outlined procedures for the exchange of documents and the attendance of experts at trial.