SELLERS & TALLIS

In the matter of Sellers & Tallis, Watts J made orders concerning the parental responsibility and living arrangements for five children. The dispute involved the mother, Ms. Tallis, and the father, Mr. Sellers, regarding the care and contact with their children.

The court was required to determine the primary caregiver for the children, the extent of the father's contact with them, and the necessity of protective orders for the mother, the children, and other family members. The court also considered the implications of breaches of these orders and the potential for state-based protection orders.

Watts J ordered that all prior parenting orders be discharged and that the mother have sole parental responsibility for the children, who were to live with her. Crucially, the father was restrained from spending any time with or communicating with the children. Furthermore, pursuant to sections 68B and 114 of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), the father was prohibited from harassing, molesting, stalking, or causing or threatening bodily harm to the mother and children. Specific geographical restrictions and prohibitions on attending certain locations were also imposed, with provisions for arrest without warrant for breaches of these injunctions. Similar protective orders were made concerning the maternal grandmother and grandfather, also with provisions for arrest upon breach. The court also requested consideration by the State Magistrates Court for similar protection orders under state legislation. Finally, arrangements were made for the return of five backpacks to the father via the court registry.