Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services and Seigel

In the matter of *Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services and Seigel*, Hogan J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application by the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services concerning two children, B and C, and their father, Mr Seigel. The dispute involved urgent protective measures sought by the Department to safeguard the children's welfare.

The court was required to determine the necessity and scope of injunctive relief to prevent the removal of the children from Australia and to maintain their current residence. Additionally, the court considered the appropriate measures for enforcing such orders, including the involvement of law enforcement agencies and the placement of the father and children on a family law watchlist. The court also addressed the surrender of passports and the procedural steps for the ongoing litigation.

By consent of the parties, Hogan J issued several orders aimed at protecting the children. These included an injunction restraining Mr Seigel from removing the children from the Commonwealth of Australia and from changing their usual day-to-day residence. The court empowered the Marshal of the Family Court, federal agents of the Australian Federal Police, and state and territory police to enforce these orders. Furthermore, Mr Seigel and the children were placed on the Family Law Watchlist for two years, and Mr Seigel was ordered to surrender all relevant passports. The court also set a timetable for the filing of documents and the hearing of the application.