Keighley and Keighley

In the matter of *Keighley and Keighley*, Johnston J of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia considered applications concerning the welfare of children. The proceedings involved a dispute between the parents, with the Independent Children's Lawyer playing a significant role in advocating for the children's interests.

The court was required to determine several issues, including the release of an expert report to the parties and their legal representatives, and the terms of interim orders pending a further hearing. Specifically, the court considered whether to suspend certain existing orders, grant leave for the Independent Children's Lawyer to share the expert report with specified professionals, and direct the father to consult with his psychologist and psychiatrist regarding the report's contents. The court also addressed the filing of affidavits by the parties and their witnesses, and access to documents produced on subpoena.

Johnston J reasoned that the expert report by Dr C was relevant to the ongoing proceedings and should be made available to the parties and their legal representatives to facilitate informed discussions and future steps. The court also made orders to ensure the father addressed the report's implications with his treating professionals, while simultaneously prohibiting either parent from discussing the report's contents with the children. Further, the court suspended specific prior orders and set a timetable for the filing of evidence, indicating a need to manage the proceedings carefully to protect the children's interests.

The court ordered that the expert report by Dr C be released to the parties and their legal representatives. Interim orders were made, including the suspension of certain previous orders, leave for the Independent Children's Lawyer to provide the report to specific professionals, and directions for the father to consult with his psychologist and psychiatrist. The court also prohibited discussion of the report's contents with the children and set a deadline for the filing of affidavits. The proceedings were adjourned to a future date before Loughnan J.