HALIFAX & HALIFAX

In the matter of Halifax & Halifax, Kent J of the Family Court of Australia considered proceedings involving the Father and Ms B. The dispute concerned issues arising in the context of family law proceedings, with the court making orders regarding the continuation of the trial, the provision of evidence, and the engagement of an expert.

The court was required to determine the appropriate course of action to ensure a thorough and informed assessment of the Father's risk, particularly in light of the need for a forensic risk assessment. This involved considering the practicalities of obtaining expert evidence, the disclosure of sensitive information, and the application of confidentiality provisions under the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth).

Kent J ordered that the trial be adjourned for further hearing days and directed that transcripts of oral evidence from Ms B, the Father, and Dr C be obtained and provided to the parties. Crucially, the court ordered that, subject to funding, the Independent Children’s Lawyer, in conjunction with the Father, engage a psychiatrist to conduct a forensic risk assessment of the Father. The court also made specific provisions for the disclosure of various documents, including affidavits and subpoenaed materials, to the expert, and permitted the Father to share certain reports and transcripts with his treating medical professionals under s 121(9)(g) of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). Furthermore, the Independent Children’s Lawyer was granted liberty to provide transcripts to Legal Aid Queensland pursuant to s 121 of the Act.