Beaumont & Gardiner

In the matter of *Beaumont & Gardiner*, heard by Dawe J, the court considered interim parenting orders concerning two children, M and R. The dispute arose in the context of a Magellan matter, involving allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour by both the father and the step-father. The existing weekabout living arrangements were deemed unsuitable due to the significant distance between the parties' residences, particularly with the commencement of the school year.

The court was required to determine with whom the children should live and spend time on an interim basis, and to consider schooling arrangements. Key legal issues included the application of the section 60CC factors under the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), the significance of the children's relationship with their mother, and the practical difficulties in facilitating time with each parent given the geographical separation. The court also had to address the father's objection to the children attending a Christian school.

Dawe J reasoned that the children should live with the mother and spend time with the father on two weekends out of three, with specific conditions to protect the children. These conditions included the mother being solely responsible for the children's bathing and personal hygiene, and ensuring they were not left unsupervised with Mr B. The father's time with the children was to be generally supervised, with him residing with his parents or sister who would provide this supervision. The court also permitted the mother to enrol M in S Primary School, requiring her to share relevant school information with the father. The injunction from a previous order was continued, and directions were given for the filing of further affidavits, outlines of case, and a chronology, with the matter adjourned for a compliance check and trial directions.