Plunkett and Perkins

In the matter of *Plunkett and Perkins*, heard by Judge Altobelli, the dispute concerned parenting orders and the compliance of the Respondent Mother with previous court directions. The Applicant Father sought various orders relating to the children's welfare and the Mother's conduct.

The court was required to determine the appropriate sanctions and remedial orders to be made against the Respondent Mother for her non-compliance with existing parenting orders. This included considering the imposition of a bond, financial penalties, mandatory educational programs, and compensatory time for the Father. Additionally, the court addressed arrangements for the children's passports and future travel.

Judge Altobelli applied sections 70NFE, 70NFB(2)(g), 70NFB(7), and 70NFB(2)(c) of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). The court reasoned that a bond was necessary to ensure the Mother's future compliance with parenting orders, requiring her to be of good behaviour for two years. A financial penalty was imposed to reflect the seriousness of the non-compliance, and the Mother was ordered to complete a parenting program to educate her on the importance of adhering to court orders. Compensatory time was also ordered to address the impact of the non-compliance on the Father's time with the children. The court also varied existing orders regarding the children's passports, placing them in the Father's care and control, with specific provisions for their release and return during overseas travel, and requiring the provision of travel itineraries.

The court made orders for the Respondent Mother to enter into a two-year bond without surety, pay $1500 to the Applicant Father within six months, and complete a parenting program within six months. Further, the Mother was ordered to provide compensatory time to the Father with the children, not exceeding one week during school holidays, with specific notice requirements. Existing orders regarding the children's passports were varied to place them in the Father's care, with detailed provisions for their use and return, and both parties were ordered to provide travel itineraries.