Langmeil and Grange (No 2)

In *Langmeil and Grange (No 2)*, Dawe J considered an application concerning procedural matters in family law proceedings. The dispute involved the mother's legal representative's absence from a hearing and the overall readiness of the matter for trial.

The court was required to determine the appropriate procedural steps to prepare the case for a final hearing, given that the matter was not yet ready for trial. Additionally, the court considered the potential intervention of the Minister for Families and Communities and the implications of any applications concerning the Independent Children’s Lawyer.

Dawe J adjourned the further consideration of the matter to enable the parties to finalise affidavits of evidence, identify witnesses, determine necessary reports or assessments, and clarify the evidence each party intended to rely upon. The court also granted the mother leave to file an application and supporting affidavit. Crucially, pursuant to section 91B of the *Family Law Act 1975*, the court requested the intervention of the Minister for Families and Communities, requiring a representative to attend on a specified date to indicate whether the Minister would intervene and, if not, the reasons. Any applications regarding the removal of the Independent Children’s Lawyer, particularly those seeking interim orders that could delay the final hearing, were to be filed and served by a specified date.