GATRILL & GATRILL

This case involved parenting proceedings before Judge B. Smith, concerning allegations of family violence. The primary dispute revolved around the appropriate interim arrangements for the children, X, Y, and Z, including the nature and supervision of their time with the Father.

The court was required to determine several key issues. These included whether the children's time with the Father should be supervised, the necessity for the Father to undergo specific alcohol testing, and the terms of interim parenting orders to ensure the children's safety and well-being. The court also considered the role of a child inclusive conference and the provision of counselling services for the children.

In its reasoning, the court adopted a cautious approach given the allegations of family violence. It ordered that the children live with the Mother and that any time the children spent with the Father be supervised, with the costs of supervision to be shared equally. The Father was also ordered to undergo specific liver function and CDT alcohol testing, with the costs borne by him, and was restrained from consuming alcohol within 12 hours before and during his time with the children. The court further ordered the parties to attend a Child Inclusive Conference and to enrol the children in a specific program, with the Independent Children's Lawyer to obtain reports regarding the children's counselling. The parties were also restrained from denigrating each other or discussing the proceedings with the children.