Gande and Dennison

This matter concerned parenting orders made by Bennett J in the Family Court of Australia. The proceedings involved Ms Gande (the mother) and Mr Dennison (the father), concerning their three children. The court's orders addressed various aspects of the children's time with each parent, including specific periods of time, international travel, and the mother's attendance at a post-separation parenting program.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the children in relation to their time with each parent and the arrangements for their care. This included considering the mother's potential absence from Victoria, her proposed travel with the children to New Zealand, and the father's involvement in passport applications. A key issue was the mother's engagement with a post-separation parenting program, with the court making orders pursuant to section 65LA(1) of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth).

Bennett J applied the paramount consideration of the children's best interests in making the orders. The court ordered specific periods of time for the father to spend with the children in certain circumstances, including if the mother was absent from Victoria. The mother was also ordered to engage with a post-separation parenting program, including an initial assessment, and to attend the nominated program if deemed suitable. The court made provision for the mother to take the children to New Zealand for a specified period during the Christmas holidays, with adjustments to the father's time with the children during that period. The court also addressed the father's execution of passport applications, granting liberty to mention the matter if not completed by a specified date.