PANNO & PANNO

In the matter of *Panno & Panno*, Judge McNab of the Family Court of Australia considered a dispute between the parents regarding the immunisation and vaccination of their two children. The mother had previously contravened an order of the court concerning these matters.

The court was required to determine who should have parental responsibility for the children's immunisation and vaccination schedule, and whether the mother should be permitted to take the children on a holiday to a specified country, subject to certain conditions. The court also had to consider whether to restrain the mother from interfering with the vaccination process.

Judge McNab reasoned that the father should be granted sole parental responsibility for the children's immunisation and vaccination, in accordance with the recommendations of a medical professional. The court found that the mother had contravened a previous order without reasonable excuse but declined to impose a penalty. The mother was granted leave to take the children on a holiday, provided she supplied the father with travel details and contact information. The mother was also restrained from attending the hospital during the children's vaccinations or otherwise preventing the father from presenting the children for vaccination. The hospital was authorised to proceed with the vaccinations without delay.