Simplot & Deene (No. 2)

In the matter of Simplot & Deene (No. 2), Cronin J of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia considered parenting orders concerning the child B Simplot. The proceedings involved applications by the parents regarding the child's upbringing and contact arrangements.

The court was required to determine the most appropriate parenting orders for the child, including issues of parental responsibility, living arrangements, and communication between the child and the mother. The court also considered the mother's application for costs and the role of the Independent Children's Lawyer.

Cronin J ordered that all previous parenting orders be discharged. The father was granted sole parental responsibility for the child, and the child was ordered to live with the father. The father was directed to facilitate telephone communication between the child and the mother on one evening each week, with specific provisions for agreement or default times. The mother was restrained from spending any other time with the child unless otherwise agreed and was also restrained from recording conversations with the child. The court also made provisions for the father to provide copies of the orders to relevant professionals and discharged the Independent Children's Lawyer from the proceedings after explaining the orders to the child. The father's application for costs was dismissed, and all other applications were dismissed. The orders included a fact sheet detailing obligations, consequences of contravention, and support services, pursuant to ss 65DA(2) and 62B of the relevant legislation.