Moyes and Horton and Anor

This matter concerned parenting orders made by Judge Burchardt concerning the child of the relationship between the mother and the father. The paternal grandmother was also a party to the proceedings and played a significant role in the orders made. The dispute revolved around the future care arrangements for the child, including parental responsibility, living arrangements, and time spent with both the father and the paternal grandmother.

The court was required to determine the appropriate orders for parental responsibility, specifying whether it should be sole or joint, and to establish a detailed schedule for the child to spend time with the paternal grandmother. Further issues included the conditions under which the father could spend time with the child, including requirements for drug counselling and medical reports. The court also addressed communication protocols between the parties regarding the child's schooling and medical care, and imposed injunctions concerning drug use and behaviour in the child's presence.

In reaching its decision, the court applied principles of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), particularly concerning the best interests of the child. The orders reflect a carefully considered approach to balancing the child's need for stability with the importance of maintaining relationships with both parents and the paternal grandmother. The court mandated the mother's continued treatment with Dr K and imposed conditions on the father's time with the child, contingent on his engagement with drug counselling and obtaining favourable medical reports. Injunctions were granted to ensure the child's safety and well-being, prohibiting drug use and aggressive behaviour in the child's presence, and requiring respectful communication between the parties.

The court made detailed orders regarding the child's living arrangements, with the mother having sole parental responsibility, subject to the father and paternal grandmother being given reasonable notice of major decisions. A comprehensive schedule was set for the paternal grandmother's time with the child, along with specific conditions for the father's supervised time. The orders also included provisions for drug testing for both the mother and the father, and mandated attendance at family support services. All previous parenting orders were discharged, and the Independent Children's Lawyer's appointment was discharged.