O'Keeffe and Cottrell

O'Reilly J of the Federal Magistrates Court of Australia heard a dispute between Mr P and Ms O'Keeffe concerning parenting orders for their child. The primary issue before the court was the child's schooling arrangements, specifically whether the child should attend B State Primary School for year 7 in 2009 and then C Grammar School for year 8 in 2010.

The court was required to determine the best interests of the child in relation to these proposed schooling arrangements. This involved considering the child's welfare and development in making orders regarding their education.

In reaching its decision, the court made orders for the child to attend B State Primary School for year 7 in 2009 and commence at C Grammar School in year 8 in 2010, unless the parties agreed otherwise. Pursuant to section 65L of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), a family consultant was directed to explain the reasons for the judgment to the child and to assist the parties in complying with the orders. The matter was adjourned for a trial date to be allocated in 2009 to address any remaining parenting issues.