Pettigrew and Bautista

The case of *Pettigrew and Bautista* involved proceedings before Austin J of the Family Court of Australia concerning the welfare of a child, B. The dispute centred on the arrangements for the child's living situation, time spent with each parent, and communication between the child and the mother. The court was required to make orders addressing these critical aspects of the child's care and to ensure appropriate safeguards were in place.

The court was tasked with determining the specific arrangements for the child's residence, the nature and supervision of time spent with the mother, and the method of communication between the child and the mother. Additionally, the court needed to consider measures to prevent the child's removal from Australia and to address allegations made by the father. The court also had to consider the independent representation of the child and the preparation of a report concerning the father's allegations.

Austin J made several orders, suspending previous arrangements and ordering that the child live with the father. Supervised time with the mother was to occur for three hours each weekend, with a supervisor selected by ballot, and subject to specific conditions regarding assessments, timing, venue, costs, and compliance with the supervisor's directions. The father was responsible for the child's delivery and collection for these supervised visits. The court also ordered regular telephone communication between the child and the mother and imposed restrictions on the removal of the child from Australia, requesting the Australian Federal Police to place the child on the Airport Watch List. Furthermore, the court ordered that the child be independently represented and requested Victoria Legal Aid to arrange this. A Magellan Report was ordered concerning the father's allegations, with specific directions for its preparation, distribution, and confidentiality. The court also restrained both parties from denigrating each other in the child's presence.