State Central Authority & Alexander (No. 2)

In the matter of *State Central Authority & Alexander (No. 2)*, Bennett J of the Family Court of Australia made orders concerning the representation of a child, T, and the conduct of proceedings. The dispute involved the State Central Authority and the father of the child, with the mother also a party to the proceedings. The orders addressed arrangements for the mother to spend time with the child upon her arrival in Melbourne for a hearing, and the potential for mediation between the parents.

The court was required to determine the immediate steps necessary to ensure the child's independent representation and to facilitate the mother's participation in the proceedings. Key issues included arranging for an independent children's lawyer, securing the mother's attendance and contact with the child, and exploring the possibility of mediation prior to the final hearing. The court also considered the filing and service of affidavits, the provision of specific evidence, and the potential cross-examination of witnesses.

Bennett J ordered that the child T be independently represented by a lawyer, requesting Victoria Legal Aid to arrange this representation and directing the independent children's lawyer to address arrangements for the mother's time with the child and the availability of mediation. The court also set deadlines for the filing of evidence by the State Central Authority and the father, and specified the provision of certain audio recordings and documents. Importantly, the court noted that any mediation would not render statements made during the mediation admissible as evidence. The matter was scheduled for a final hearing on 2 April 2013.