Randwick & Anor and Keefe & Anor

This matter concerned an application before Macmillan J concerning parental responsibility and time with a child. The parties involved were the mother and the paternal grandparents, with the father also a party to the proceedings. The dispute centred on arrangements for the child's care and contact following the discharge of all current orders.

The court was required to determine the terms of new parenting orders, specifically addressing who would have sole parental responsibility for the child, where the child would live, and the nature and extent of time the paternal grandparents would spend with the child. Further issues included the father's contact with the child, arrangements for changeovers, and injunctive relief to prevent denigration of parties and their families in the child's presence. The court also considered provisions relating to the child's schooling, substance use by parties caring for the child, social media conduct, communication protocols, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

By consent, the court ordered that the mother have sole parental responsibility for the child and that the child live with her. The paternal grandparents were granted specific periods of time and communication with the child, with detailed provisions for school holidays and special occasions. Crucially, during the paternal grandparents' time with the child, the father was to have no contact unless otherwise agreed. The orders also included injunctions restraining the parties from denigrating each other or family members in the child's presence, and from posting derogatory comments on social media. Further orders stipulated requirements regarding communication, dispute resolution through mediation, and the provision of information about the child's schooling. All extant applications were dismissed, and the appointment of the Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged.