Parkmore & Miglio (No 2)

In the matter of *Parkmore & Miglio (No 2)*, heard by Young J, the applicant, Ms Parkmore, sought orders against the respondent, Ms Miglio. The proceedings concerned the welfare and best interests of two children, X (born 2013) and Y (born 2016). The court also noted that the father, Mr F, and the mother, Ms G, would be joined as second and third respondents upon proof of service of the Initiating Application.

The court was required to determine several issues, including the service of the Initiating Application on the biological mother, the formal naming of the respondent, and the preparation of a family report. The family report was to address the children's views, factors relevant to the weight of those views, and the matters set out in sections 60CC, 61DA, and 65DAA of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), as well as any other matters the family consultant deemed important for the children's welfare and best interests. The court also considered the process for releasing the family report and the implications of section 121 of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) regarding the publication of proceedings.

Applying section 62G(2) of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), the court ordered the parties and the children to attend an assessment with a family consultant. Directions were given regarding the service of documents, confirmation of attendance, and the release of the family report, with specific provisions for objections to its release and potential disclosure to external bodies such as Children's Courts or child protection authorities, subject to certain conditions and noting the potential evidentiary status of the report. Leave was also granted for parties and specified individuals to inspect and copy material produced by the Northern Territory Police pursuant to a subpoena, with conditions regarding confidentiality and destruction of copies. Further directions were made concerning the filing of affidavits for material to be considered by the family consultant and the preparation of documents for a trial call-over.

The proceedings were adjourned to the trial call-over list on 1 October 2021, with parties required to provide a summary of argument, minutes of orders sought, and a trial plan.