STANNIS & STANNIS

In *Stannis & Stannis*, Stevenson J of the Family Court of Australia considered applications concerning the parental responsibility and time arrangements for three children. The proceedings involved the mother and father of the children, B, C, and D.

The central legal issues before the court were whether to discharge previous orders regarding the children, who should have sole parental responsibility for them, and whether the children should spend any time with or communicate with their father. The court also had to consider the implications of reports and the father's conduct on these determinations.

Stevenson J's reasoning was heavily influenced by significant risk factors identified in reports from DHS and Dr E, which suggested a serious risk of offending behaviour by the father. The court noted the father's non-participation in ordered assessments and therapeutic interventions, his failure to attend the final hearing despite notice, and his prior convictions for serious offences including the production and possession of child pornography, which resulted in his placement on the Sex Offenders Register for life. Applying principles related to the paramountcy of the children's welfare and safety, the court concluded that it was not in the children's best interests to have any time with or communicate with their father.

Consequently, Stevenson J ordered the discharge of all previous orders concerning the children, granted the mother sole parental responsibility, and ordered that the children spend no time or communicate with their father. All extant applications were dismissed, and the appointment of the Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged. The court also included particulars of obligations and consequences of contravention in a fact sheet attached to the orders.