Houston and Houston (No. 2)

In *Houston and Houston (No. 2)*, the Father sought orders from the Family Court of Australia concerning his three children, N, R, and K Houston, and their mother, Ms. Houston. The dispute involved locating the mother and children, who were believed to be in Western Australia, while the father resided in New South Wales and the litigation was proceeding in Queensland.

The primary legal issues before the court were whether to grant the Father leave to proceed ex-parte, and whether to issue orders compelling government agencies to disclose information regarding the location of the mother and children. The court was also required to determine appropriate measures for the children's welfare and representation, including the appointment of an Independent Children's Lawyer and the mother's obligation to appear before the court.

Justice Barry granted the Father leave to proceed ex-parte. The court declared that it was satisfied that records held by the Western Australia Department of Education and Training and Centrelink were likely to contain information about the location of the children and their mother. Consequently, the court ordered the Director of the Western Australia Department of Education and Training and the Business Manager of Centrelink to provide any such information to the Registry Manager. These orders were to remain in force for twelve months, with monthly searches of the records mandated. The court also ordered the mother to appear personally with the children, to provide her address and contact details in writing, and to facilitate interviews for reportable counselling. An Independent Children's Lawyer was to be appointed to represent the children's interests.