SEDGEMAN & NOVOTNY

This matter concerned final orders made by Hogan J in relation to the child B. The dispute involved the parents' arrangements for the child's residence, parental responsibility, and time spent with each parent.

The court was required to determine the primary residence of the child, the allocation of parental responsibility for long-term decision-making, and the specific arrangements for the child's time with each parent, including daily care, communication, and holiday periods. The court also considered provisions for the child's welfare, including information sharing between parents, restrictions on parental conduct, and the involvement of professionals for therapy and support.

Hogan J ordered that the child B live with the mother and that the mother have sole parental responsibility for all major long-term issues concerning the child, including education, religious and cultural upbringing, and health. While the mother is to consult with the father in writing regarding these decisions, she retains the final say. The father was granted specific, detailed periods of time with the child, with provisions for communication and changeovers. The orders also included stipulations regarding the parents' conduct, such as refraining from denigrating each other and from being under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs while the child is in their care. The court also ordered the parties to attend therapy and made provisions for the Independent Children's Lawyer and the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services to receive relevant documents.

All previous orders were discharged, and all outstanding applications were dismissed. The Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged on 8 January 2016.