McMaster and Cullis (No. 2)

In *McMaster and Cullis (No. 2)*, Young J of the Family Court of Australia was required to make orders concerning a dispute between the parties regarding their daughter. The proceedings involved applications by the parties and the Independent Children's Lawyer.

The court was tasked with determining a range of issues, including the facilitation of dispute resolution through a round table session organised by Victoria Legal Aid, the establishment of a communication book for the child, and the restriction on calling additional professional witnesses. Further issues included the issuance of an Australian passport for the child, the holding of that passport, and specific arrangements for the child's time with the father on Father's Day. The court also considered an application for leave to issue a subpoena for police documents related to a prior incident.

Young J made a series of orders aimed at resolving the outstanding issues and promoting the child's welfare. These included directing the parties to engage in dispute management, establishing a communication protocol, and authorising the issuance of a passport for the child, with provisions for the father's signature or, in default, a Registrar's signature. The court also granted leave for the Independent Children's Lawyer to issue a subpoena for relevant police documents and made specific arrangements for the child's time with the father. The orders also stipulated that the extempore reasons for judgment be transcribed and made available, and that particulars of obligations and consequences of contravention be set out in an annexure. Finally, the court permitted the father to provide a Family Report to a psychologist and requested the attendance of the Independent Children's Lawyer at mediation.