MILLFORD & TAGGERT

In the matter of Millford & Taggert, Judge Young of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia considered orders concerning the care arrangements for two children, X and Y. The dispute involved the parents' arrangements for the children, particularly during the upcoming summer school holidays, and broader issues relating to the children's welfare and the parents' conduct.

The court was required to determine the specific time spent by the children with each parent during the 2020/21 summer school holidays. Further issues before the court included the appointment of an Independent Children's Lawyer to represent the children's interests, the preparation of a Family Report by a private family consultant, and the imposition of injunctions restraining the father from playing poker machines while the children are in his care and restraining both parents from physically disciplining the children. The court also needed to set a future date for trial call-over and outline the parties' obligations in preparing for that event.

The court made orders by consent regarding the holiday arrangements, stipulating a week-about arrangement commencing with the mother. Specific locations and times for changeovers were also agreed upon. Crucially, the court ordered the independent representation of the children's interests by a lawyer, requesting the Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission to make arrangements for this. The parties were also ordered to attend upon a private family consultant for the preparation of a Family Report at equal expense. Injunctions were granted, restraining the father from playing poker machines while the children are in his care and restraining both parents from physically disciplining the children. The proceedings were adjourned to a trial call-over list, with directions for the parties to provide a summary of argument, minutes of orders sought, and a trial plan.