GAWEESH & GAWEESH

In the matter of *Gaweesh & Gaweesh*, Forrest J considered proceedings concerning the best interests of two children, E and B. The dispute involved allegations of family violence against the father, with the children having witnessed violence directed at the mother. The court also addressed allegations of sexual abuse, though no specific finding was made as to whether such abuse occurred.

The primary legal issues before the court were to determine with whom the children would live, with whom they would spend time, and whether that time should be supervised, particularly in light of the family violence and child abuse allegations. The court was required to assess the risk posed by the father and make orders that prioritised the children's safety and well-being.

Forrest J applied the paramount consideration of the children's best interests under the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). The court's reasoning focused on the need for a safe environment for the children, given the history of family violence. The court made orders for the mother to have sole parental responsibility and for the children to live with her. The father was granted supervised time with the children, limited to four hours every four months, to be facilitated by an agreed contact centre or a private provider, with the father bearing the costs. Further orders were made regarding the notification and confirmation of supervised contact arrangements, ongoing communication between parents, and the provision of reports on the children's progress. The court also issued orders restraining the father and the children from leaving the Commonwealth of Australia and requested the Australian Federal Police to place the children's names on the Airport Watch List. Finally, the court made an order concerning the children's use of terms to refer to their maternal grandfather.