State Central Authority and Lore (No. 2)

In the matter of *State Central Authority and Lore (No. 2)*, Bennett J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application concerning the child M. The dispute involved the potential return of M to New Zealand, with the State Central Authority acting on behalf of the requesting parent, and the respondent father.

The court was required to determine the procedural steps necessary to address the rights of access for both the requesting parent and the respondent father, depending on the outcome of a pending application in New Zealand concerning the mandatory return of M. Specifically, the court needed to establish how these access rights would be pursued if M remained in Australia or if M was returned to New Zealand.

Bennett J directed that the State Central Authority file and serve applications to establish rights of access within seven days, contingent on the determination of the New Zealand application for M's return. These applications were to specify the orders sought, including responsibility for transport and telephone costs. The respondent father was then to file and serve any response within fourteen days of the State Central Authority's compliance. The court also noted that neither party was required to file affidavit material in support of these applications and responses, and reserved liberty for parties to contact the Associate regarding progress in New Zealand or to seek to have the matter mentioned.