Newman & Anor and Handke

In the matter of *Newman & Anor and Handke*, Forrest J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application for leave to adopt a child. The applicants, Mr Newman and Ms Hunter, sought to adopt the child B, born in 2009, with Mr Newman being the child's step-father.

The central legal issue before the Court was whether to grant the applicants leave to make an application for adoption pursuant to the *Adoption Act 2009* (Qld), as provided for under section 60G of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). This section governs the circumstances under which the Family Court can grant leave for adoption applications to proceed.

Forrest J granted the applicants leave to make the adoption application. The Court's decision was based on its power under section 60G of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) to permit such applications. The specific terms of the order were to be formally entered into the Court's records.