Director-General, Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services & McMurray

In the matter of *Director-General, Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services & McMurray*, Kent J of the Family Court of Australia made consent orders concerning the return of a child, C, born in January 2000, to New Zealand. The dispute involved the Director-General, representing the child's interests, and the Respondent Father, Mr McMurray. The orders addressed the practical arrangements for C's departure from Australia and imposed restrictions on Mr McMurray pending that return.

The court was required to determine the terms of consent orders that would facilitate the child's return to New Zealand. This involved establishing a timeline for departure, imposing injunctions to prevent the child's removal from Australia by the father, and regulating the child's place of residence until departure. The orders also addressed the discharge of previous court directions, the use of the All Ports Watch Alert System, the involvement of law enforcement agencies, the release of passports, and the allocation of expenses for the child's return.

The court's reasoning, as reflected in the consent orders, focused on ensuring the child's safe and timely return to New Zealand. The orders imposed a clear deadline for departure and included injunctions to prevent any actions that might frustrate this outcome. The involvement of the Australian Federal Police and state/territory police forces was authorised to enforce the orders. Furthermore, the Director-General was empowered to release necessary travel documents, and the Respondent Father was made responsible for the associated costs. The court also provided for liberty to apply for further orders to facilitate the process.