Hugh and Sawer (Appearance Electronically of Mother)

In the matter of *Hugh and Sawer (Appearance Electronically of Mother)*, Bennett J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application by the mother for her legal representative to appear at a hearing via electronic means. The specific nature of the underlying dispute between the parties is not detailed in the provided text, but the immediate issue before the Court concerned the method of counsel's participation in the upcoming hearing.

The central legal issue before the Court was whether to grant leave for counsel to appear electronically on behalf of the mother. This required the Court to consider the practicalities and procedural requirements for such an appearance in the context of Family Court proceedings.

Bennett J granted the mother's application for leave, permitting her counsel to appear by electronic means. The Court's reasoning was contingent on a specific condition: that counsel for the mother furnish the Court with a landline telephone number. This number would serve as the designated point of contact for the electronic communication, ensuring a reliable channel for participation in the hearing. The orders reflect a pragmatic approach to facilitating appearances, balancing the convenience of electronic participation with the need for secure and verifiable communication.