Gordon and Bright

In the matter of Gordon and Bright, Strickland J considered an application concerning children's contact services and the production of reports and affidavits. The dispute involved the father and mother of a child born in July 1998, with the Independent Children’s Lawyer playing a significant role.

The court was required to determine whether to grant leave for the Independent Children’s Lawyer to issue subpoenas to G and H Children’s Contact Services for relevant notes, reports, and files. Additionally, the court needed to direct the obtaining and filing of reports from specific medical professionals, including a psychologist and two psychiatrists, concerning the mother and father. The court also had to set timelines for the filing and service of affidavits of evidence in chief by both parents and their respective family members, as well as for amended applications and responses.

Strickland J granted leave for the Independent Children’s Lawyer to issue subpoenas to the contact services, specifying a return date before a Registrar. The court also ordered the Independent Children’s Lawyer to obtain reports from Ms S and Dr T, and the father to obtain a report from Dr W, with specific filing and service deadlines. Furthermore, the court mandated the filing and service of affidavits of evidence in chief by the parents and their nominated witnesses, and ordered amendments to the father's application and the mother's response within specified periods. The matter was scheduled to continue part-heard on 20 October 2008.