FREDERICK & FREDERICK

In the matter of *Frederick & Frederick*, heard before Tree J, the father sought to have trial dates vacated and the proceedings adjourned. The father's application was prompted by an ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct by officers of the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services, and his involvement in unresolved criminal proceedings concerning allegations of indecently dealing with a girl. The father also had a history of non-compliance with litigation directions.

The central legal issues before the court were whether the father's application for an adjournment should be granted, considering the need for a just resolution of the proceedings, the needs of the child, the impact of court proceedings on the child, and the principle that proceedings should be conducted without undue delay. The court was also required to consider the father's history of non-engagement and non-compliance.

Tree J dismissed the father's application, finding that an adjournment was not warranted. The court applied the principles that proceedings should be conducted without undue delay and that the needs of the child and the impact of court proceedings are paramount. Despite the father's stated reasons for seeking an adjournment, the court determined that these did not outweigh the need for the matter to proceed.

Consequently, the father’s Application in a Case filed on 17 August 2016 was dismissed.