Eddy and Knight

This matter concerned an application before Watts J concerning the living arrangements and contact arrangements for a male child born in April 1995. The dispute involved the parents of the child, identified as Eddy and Knight.

The court was required to determine the primary residence of the child and to establish a framework for contact between the child and the mother. This included assessing the suitability of both parents for supervised time through a Children's Contact Service and outlining the conditions and responsibilities of each parent during this supervised period. The court also needed to address ongoing communication, information sharing, and behavioural expectations between the parents concerning the child.

Watts J ordered that the child shall live with the father. For a period of twelve months, both parents were to comply with specific orders regarding contact. These orders mandated engagement with a Children's Contact Service for assessment and attendance at supervised time if deemed suitable. The mother was to have supervised time with the child on the second Saturday of each month for four hours at the Contact Centre, with the father responsible for supervision fees. The father or his mother was to facilitate the child's transport to and from the Contact Centre. The orders also included provisions for telephone contact, email communication, and the exchange of information regarding the child's schooling and any changes in residence. Crucially, both parents were prohibited from denigrating each other in the child's presence and from discussing the proceedings with the child. Specific restrictions were placed on the mother regarding discussions about future caregiving and the purchase of certain types of clothing for the child. The court also appointed Justice Watts to manage any future applications related to the child. A certificate was granted to the mother under section 128 of the Evidence Act 1995 (Cth) concerning her drug use. The matter was adjourned for further mention.