DALEY & SAWYER

In the matter of *Daley & Sawyer*, heard by Carew J, the dispute concerned parenting orders for a child, L. The mother sought to change the child's surname, while the father sought to vary existing orders. The court was required to determine whether the mother posed an unacceptable risk of sexual harm to the child, and conversely, whether the father posed an unacceptable risk of psychological harm. The court also had to consider whether any assessed harm could be mitigated through supervision.

Carew J found that allegations of sexual abuse by the mother were not supported by evidence. However, the court determined that the father presented an unacceptable risk of psychological harm to the child. The judge reasoned that the father's conduct and the potential impact on L necessitated significant restrictions on their contact. The court applied the paramountcy principle, focusing on the child's best interests and welfare.

Consequently, the court ordered the discharge of all previous parenting orders, with the exception of the order granting the mother sole parental responsibility and the order changing the child's surname. The father was ordered to spend no time with the child and to have no communication with the child, except for sending a card or gift on specific occasions, unless prior written agreement was obtained from the mother. The mother's application to change the child's surname was dismissed.