Dacombe & Thornill

In the matter of *Dacombe & Thornill*, heard before Obradovic J, the applicant father, Mr Dacombe, and the respondent mother, Ms Thornill, were involved in proceedings concerning their child, X. The dispute centred on the living arrangements and time spent with the child, as well as allegations of abuse and family violence.

The court was required to determine the primary caregiver for the child X, establish a schedule for the child's time with the respondent mother, and address concerns regarding the child's contact with a Mr B. Furthermore, the court needed to consider the appointment of an Independent Children's Lawyer and the necessity of gathering information from various state agencies regarding potential abuse and family violence involving the parties and the child.

Obradovic J ordered that child X live with the applicant father, Mr Dacombe, and spend time with the respondent mother, Ms Thornill, as agreed in writing between the parents. Crucially, the mother was enjoined from allowing the child to come into contact with Mr B during any period the child spent with her. An Independent Children's Lawyer was appointed for X, with the Legal Aid Commission of NSW requested to provide representation. The court also directed several state agencies, including the Department of Communities and Justice (NSW), Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs (QLD), and NSW and QLD Police Services, to provide all documents and information held concerning any notifications of suspected abuse or family violence involving the parties and Mr B, with provisions for anonymising notifiers and witnesses.