Mackillop and Mackillop

In the matter of *Mackillop and Mackillop*, Guest J considered parenting orders concerning a child born in October 2001. The dispute involved the parents' responsibilities and the child's living arrangements, including a proposed relocation by the husband.

The court was required to determine the extent of parental responsibility for long-term and day-to-day decisions, the primary residence of the child, and whether the husband should be permitted to relocate with the child to Northern Victoria. Furthermore, the court had to establish conditions for the wife's future contact with the child, including requirements for her to undergo addiction treatment, provide medical evidence of her recovery, and adhere to supervised contact and alcohol testing protocols.

Guest J ordered the discharge of all previous parenting orders. The court established equal shared parental responsibility for long-term decisions and ordered that the child live with the husband. The husband was permitted to relocate permanently with the child to Northern Victoria after the current school year. The wife was ordered to complete a Supported Accommodation Program, undergo liver function tests, and use a breathalyser device during her time with the child until she demonstrated a sustained period of abstinence from alcohol. A psychologist was to assess the wife's progress and make recommendations regarding the supervision of her time with the child. Specific supervised contact arrangements were detailed, with provisions for the wife to spend time with the child both before and after the relocation, and for the exchange of information regarding the child's well-being and schooling.