Connor and Hulett

In the matter of *Connor and Hulett*, heard before Murphy J of the Family Court of Australia, the proceedings concerned the appointment of a Case Guardian for the father, Mr Connor. The court was required to determine the necessity and process for appointing such a guardian, particularly in circumstances where a suitable person was not readily available.

The court's reasoning centred on the need to ensure Mr Connor's interests were adequately represented in the proceedings. Given the absence of a readily available suitable person to act as Case Guardian, the court invoked Rule 6.11 of the *Family Law Rules 2004* to request the Attorney-General for the Commonwealth of Australia to nominate a person for this role. The court emphasised the urgency of this appointment due to the circumstances of the case.

Consequently, the court ordered the appointment of a Case Guardian for Mr Connor. Upon the appointment, the guardian was to file a Notice of Address for Service within 14 days. Following this, the Brisbane Registry was directed to provide the Case Guardian with all relevant documents, including the court's reasons for judgment and previous orders, free of charge. The matter was then to be listed for further directions before Justice Murphy as soon as practicable after the guardian's appointment and review of the documents. The hearing scheduled for 25 February 2010 was vacated, and the Independent Children's Lawyer was directed to liaise with the Department of the Attorney-General and relevant State Agencies to expedite the appointment and the listing of the matter for further directions.