Harris and Daniels

The proceedings involved Mr Harris and Ms Daniels concerning parenting orders for their children, B and C. The court was required to determine the arrangements for the children's time with their father, Mr Harris, and to address issues related to the children's welfare and the parties' compliance with court orders.

The central legal issues before the court were the appropriate level of supervised time the children should spend with their father, the mechanisms for ensuring compliance with parenting orders, and the need for independent representation and expert assessment concerning the children's best interests. The court also considered the appointment of an Independent Children’s Lawyer and the conduct of a Child Inclusive Conference.

In addressing these issues, Gill J made specific orders regarding supervised time for the children with their father, to commence on 25 September 2016, with supervision to be provided by nominated individuals or others agreed by the parties. The court also issued orders detailing the obligations and consequences of contravening the parenting orders, pursuant to sections 62B and 65DA(2) of the *Family Law Act 1975*. Furthermore, an Independent Children’s Lawyer was appointed for the children, and the Legal Aid Commission of the Australian Capital Territory was requested to provide representation. The court also directed a Family Consultant to conduct a Child Inclusive Conference, with a report to be prepared addressing the children's relationships with each parent and any expressed views of the children, taking into account filed documents and any subpoenaed material. The parties and the children were directed to attend appointments with the Family Consultant on 16 November 2016 for this purpose.