Donoghue and Alton

In the matter of *Donoghue and Alton*, before Burr J, the court considered an application by the paternal grandmother and a response by the mother concerning their child, K. The proceedings involved an application filed by the paternal grandmother and a response filed by the mother, both of which were ultimately dismissed.

The court was required to determine several issues, including whether the mother should be restrained from taking the child to any prison facility. Further, the court had to consider orders regarding the discussion of proceedings with the child, the production of documents by Families SA, and the entitlement of the parties to inspect those documents. Additionally, the court was tasked with making interim orders concerning the child's residence, parental responsibility, and time spent with the mother, as well as ensuring the child's continued attendance at a specific educational unit and requiring a review conference.

Burr J reasoned that the mother should be restrained from taking the child to a prison facility and that all parties should be prohibited from discussing the proceedings or allegations with the child or within the child's hearing. The court also granted leave for the Independent Children’s Lawyer to subpoena Families SA for their file concerning the child and other siblings, with provisions for inspection and copying of these documents. The question of the parties' entitlement to inspect these documents was adjourned. During the adjournment period, the court suspended the operation of previous orders and made new interim orders: K was to live with the paternal grandmother, who was granted sole parental responsibility. The mother was granted supervised time with the child on Saturdays, subject to specific conditions including personal supervision, arrangements for handovers, notification of employment and cohabitation, and limitations on other adults or children present. The paternal grandmother was ordered to ensure the child's continued attendance at the Oral / Aural Unit at H Primary School. All parties and their legal representatives were directed to attend a review conference. The mother was granted liberty to obtain school and medical reports for the child.