MOORS & SOBEY

In the Family Court of Australia, Cleary J made final parenting orders concerning children X, Y, and Z, and their mother. The dispute involved the father's relationship with the children, which was characterised by drug use, extensive family violence, and the children's exposure to abuse and harm. The father did not attend the final hearing or file material, having informed the mother he would not be present. The orders were made on the last occasion between the mother and the maternal grandparents.

The court was required to determine the appropriate parenting arrangements for the children, specifically whether they should spend any time with or communicate with their father, and whether to grant sole parental responsibility to the mother. The court also considered the father's behaviour, his motivation, and the need for the children's stability and protection from his drug-affected or angry conduct. The legal issues also encompassed the father's restraint under an injunction pursuant to s 68B of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth).

Cleary J reasoned that the children needed stability and protection from the father's behaviour, noting their lack of a meaningful relationship with him and his vengeful feelings towards the mother. The court found that the mother had established a safe and happy household. Consequently, the court ordered that the children spend no time with nor communicate with the father. The mother was granted sole parental responsibility, and the children were to live with her. The paternal grandparents were granted limited supervised time with children Y and Z, with specific conditions including a restraint on them from allowing contact with the father. The father was also restrained by injunction from approaching within 100 metres of the children's and mother's residences or places of education.