Cassidy and Needham

In the matter of *Cassidy and Needham*, heard before Johns J, the proceedings concerned applications for final orders relating to children X and Y. The specific nature of the dispute leading to these applications is not detailed in the provided text.

The primary legal issue before the Court was the representation of the children's interests in the ongoing proceedings. Specifically, the Court was required to determine whether and how the children should have independent legal representation, and to make arrangements for such representation to be secured.

Johns J ordered that all outstanding applications for final orders be listed for hearing as soon as practicable. Crucially, pursuant to section 68L(2) of the relevant legislation, the Court directed that the interests of children X and Y be independently represented by a lawyer. The Court requested Victoria Legal Aid to arrange this representation promptly, expressing a preference for the previously involved Independent Children’s Lawyer, Annette Murray, to be reappointed if practicable. Upon appointment, the Independent Children’s Lawyer was to file a Notice of Address for Service and, thereafter, be granted leave to inspect and copy all material previously subpoenaed by the parties and released by the Court.