McElroy and Trowbridges

In the matter of *McElroy and Trowbridges*, heard before Dawe J, the court considered interim parenting orders concerning two children, A and S. The dispute involved allegations made by both parents, necessitating careful consideration of the children's welfare and the appropriate arrangements for their care and contact with their father.

The court was required to determine the terms of supervised contact between the father and the children, the conditions under which handovers should occur, and the nature of injunctions to be imposed on the parents and supervisors. Further issues included the need for a report from Families SA regarding the allegations made by both parents, the provision of specific documents to the Flinders Medical Centre Child Protection Unit, and the father's ability to issue a subpoena to the South Australian Police. The court also addressed the timing for compliance with trial preparation orders and the adjournment of the matter for further directions.

Dawe J ordered that during an adjournment, the father would spend time with both children on alternate Sundays, supervised by Mr or Mrs McElroy. Crucially, all handovers were to occur at the supervisors' home, with the mother present and the father absent. Injunctions were continued, restraining parents from physically disciplining the children, denigrating each other in the children's presence, or consuming alcohol or illicit drugs when the children were in their care. A significant injunction also prohibited discussion of sexual abuse allegations with the children or in their hearing, except by authorised investigators. The court requested a report from Families SA on the allegations and the children's circumstances, and directed the Independent Children's Lawyer to provide specific reports and court orders to the Flinders Medical Centre Child Protection Unit. Leave was granted for the father to subpoena the South Australian Police, and the father's solicitors were required to file affidavits from the proposed supervisors. The matter was adjourned for further directions and consideration of interim orders.