Department of Health and Human Services and Singhe

In the Family Court of Australia, Justice Cronin considered an application by the Department of Health and Human Services concerning the child D, and a related application filed by the father on 6 March 2017. The proceedings appear to involve issues of child abduction, given the reference to the Family Law (Child Abduction Convention) Regulations 1986.

The court was required to determine whether to appoint a family consultant to prepare a report addressing specific matters relevant to the child’s objections to return, the strength of those objections, and the child’s maturity to have their views considered. Additionally, the court needed to consider the separate representation of the children, B and C, pursuant to section 68L(2) of the Family Law Act 1975.

Justice Cronin ordered that a family consultant be appointed to prepare a report concerning the child D's objections to return, assessing the strength of these objections and the child's maturity. The court also ordered that the children B and C be separately represented, requesting Victoria Legal Aid to arrange this representation. The father was granted liberty to apply to set aside an amendment made to previous orders concerning the inclusion of D. The matter was adjourned for mention, and directions were given for the filing of documents and the provision of reports.