NEALL & RAMO

In the matter of *Neall & Ramo*, Bennett J of the Family Court of Australia considered parenting orders concerning a child, X, born in 2016. The proceedings involved an application by the Mother for final parenting orders, which proceeded on an undefended basis due to the Father's non-compliance with procedural requirements and his inability to participate in the hearing. The Father had failed to file a Response to the Mother's Initiating Application and had notified the court and the Independent Children's Lawyer of his inability to participate without seeking an adjournment.

The central legal issues before the court were to determine the final parenting arrangements for the child X, including where the child would live, the allocation of parental responsibility, and the nature and extent of the Father's time and communication with the child. The court was also required to consider measures to prevent the child's removal from Australia and to ensure the Father was kept informed about the child's well-being and education.

Bennett J made final orders that the child X live with the Mother in Australia and that the Mother have sole parental responsibility, with the requirement to keep the Father informed in writing of her intentions regarding long-term decisions. The Father was granted no specific time or communication with the child, with such arrangements to be agreed between the parents in writing. Crucially, orders were made restraining the removal of the child from the Commonwealth of Australia, and the child was placed on the Airport Watch List until further order. The Mother was directed to inform the Father of any serious illness or injury affecting the child and to authorise medical practitioners to communicate with the Father regarding the child's health. The Father was also authorised to receive information from the child's kindergarten or school. The court noted the Father's failure to comply with previous orders and his communication indicating an inability to participate in the hearing.