KUSIC & SHORT

In the matter of *Kusic & Short*, Collier J of the Federal Magistrates Court of Australia (now Federal Circuit Court of Australia) considered applications concerning the parenting arrangements for two children. The proceedings involved a dispute between the mother and the father regarding the children's living arrangements and contact.

The court was required to determine various interim applications made by the parties, including applications to vary existing parenting orders. Specifically, the court had to decide on the appropriate schedule for the mother's time with the children, the location for the return of the children, and the need for independent representation of the children's interests. The court also considered the future conduct of the proceedings, including the need for family counselling and further conferences.

Collier J dismissed some interim applications while varying others, particularly concerning the mother's contact with the children. The court ordered a specific schedule for the mother's time with the children, stipulating that she would spend the first two weekends in each three-weekend cycle with them. The court also directed that all returns and changeovers of the children would occur at a specific public location. Crucially, the court made orders for the children's interests to be independently represented by a lawyer, requesting Legal Aid New South Wales to make arrangements for this. The matter was then adjourned for a conference with a Family Consultant and subsequently for a conference with a Registrar.