Orwin and Hansonn (No 2)

In *Orwin and Hansonn (No 2)*, the Federal Magistrates Court of Australia considered an application by the mother seeking an order that the father contribute to her travel costs for the purpose of spending time with the children. The father also sought an order for costs against the mother.

The primary legal issue before the Court was whether the mother's application for a contribution towards her travel costs constituted a "parenting order" as defined by section 64B(2) of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). The Court also had to determine whether it was just and equitable to make an order for costs against the mother, given her lack of success and the parties' respective financial circumstances.

His Honour Dawe J determined that the mother's application was not a parenting order within the meaning of the Act, as it did not relate to the children's rights of contact or the responsibilities of the parents towards the children. Consequently, the Court dismissed the mother's application. Regarding costs, despite the mother being wholly unsuccessful and the father appearing unrepresented, the Court found that it was just for each party to bear their own costs, considering their financial positions. The Court further directed both parties to attend counselling to attempt to resolve outstanding issues before initiating further proceedings concerning the children.