Hendrickson and Murrell (No 3)

In the proceedings between Hendrickson and Murrell (No 3), Dawe J was required to determine matters concerning the welfare of a child, H. The dispute involved applications relating to the child's time with the father, with the court considering various affidavit materials and reports, including those from Dr E.

The central legal issues before the court were the appropriate orders to be made regarding the child's time with the father, particularly in light of the ongoing proceedings and the need for further assessment. The court also had to consider the procedural steps necessary to advance the final application proceedings towards trial.

Dawe J reasoned that it was necessary to suspend existing orders for the child to spend time with the father during the adjournment period. This decision was informed by the need for the father to undergo psychotherapy with a qualified psychiatrist, to whom specific affidavit material and reports were to be provided. The court further directed that the father notify the relevant parties of the psychiatrist's name. The matter was adjourned for mention, and the final application proceedings were referred for trial allocation, with directions to be given by the Registrar.