Dash & Golla

This matter came before O'Shannessy J in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia concerning parenting arrangements for the child, X, born in 2017, between the applicant father, Mr Dash, and the respondent mother, Ms Golla. The court was asked to make orders regarding the child's time with each parent and related matters.

The court was required to determine the specific parenting orders to be made, including the schedule for the child's time with the father, arrangements for communication and changeovers, and provisions for the child's welfare and the parents' conduct. Additionally, the court was to consider and make orders regarding drug testing for the mother, the independent representation of the child, and the preparation of a family report.

The orders made by the court were by consent of the parties, reflecting an agreement on the parenting arrangements. The court discharged interim orders and established a detailed two-week cycle for the child's time with the father, with adjustments to commence from November 2021. Further orders addressed communication between the father and child, notification of address changes, and the parents' rights to obtain information and attend school events concerning the child. The court also issued injunctions restraining the parents from denigrating each other, passing messages through the child, discussing parenting or court proceedings in the child's presence, or exposing the child to conflict. A specific order was made for the mother to undergo hair drug testing.

The court also made significant orders concerning the child's welfare and the progression of the proceedings. Pursuant to section 68L(2) of the *Family Law Act 1975*, an Independent Children's Lawyer was to be appointed, with Victoria Legal Aid requested to arrange this representation. Furthermore, pursuant to section 62G(2) of the *Family Law Act 1975*, the parties and the child were ordered to attend upon a Family Consultant for the preparation of a Family Report by 31 March 2022, addressing matters relevant to the child's welfare and best interests. The proceedings were adjourned to 22 September 2022 for a final hearing, with detailed directions provided for the filing and service of trial affidavits, case outlines, and other relevant materials. The court also noted provisions regarding family violence and the prohibition of publishing identifying details of the proceedings.