HUGH & SAWER (INJUNCTIONS)

Bennett J considered applications for parenting orders and injunctions concerning three children, J, E, and H. The dispute involved the father's relationship with the children and his conduct towards the mother and Ms B. The court was required to determine the appropriate parenting arrangements for E and H, and whether to grant injunctions to protect the mother and children.

The court was asked to determine the extent of the father's parental responsibility and contact with E and H, and to consider the necessity of restraining orders against the father and Ms B. Specifically, the court had to decide whether to discharge existing parenting orders and what new orders, if any, should be made regarding the children's residence, parental responsibility, and communication with the father. The court also considered the scope of injunctions to prevent contact and proximity to the mother, children, and their school and extracurricular activities.

Applying principles under the *Family Law Act 1975*, particularly sections 68B and 68C, Bennett J made orders discharging previous parenting orders. The mother was granted sole parental responsibility for E and H, with the children to live with her. Crucially, the father was prohibited from communicating with the children, and both the father and Ms B were enjoined from contacting the mother, contacting the children, and approaching specified locations including the mother's residence, the children's school, and venues for their extracurricular activities. These injunctions were made for the personal protection of the mother and children and carried a power of arrest for breaches involving causing or threatening bodily harm, or harassment, molestation, or stalking. The court also ordered the mother to provide the father and Ms B with rosters of the children's activities to inform them of precluded attendance. The independent children's lawyer was tasked with serving the orders on relevant institutions.