State Central Authority and Peddar

In the matter of *State Central Authority and Peddar*, Bennett J of the Family Court of Australia made orders concerning the parenting of two children, F and E. The proceedings involved the parents, Mr Peddar (the father) and the mother, and the State Central Authority. The dispute centred on the arrangements for the children's residence, time spent with each parent, and communication between the parents and children, particularly given the mother's residence in Sweden.

The court was required to determine the appropriate parenting orders for the children, including the allocation of parental responsibility, the children's living arrangements, and the schedule for the children to spend time with the mother in Sweden. Further issues included the practical arrangements for travel, communication, and the exchange of information between the parents, as well as provisions for the supervision of compliance with the orders.

Bennett J ordered that previous parenting orders be discharged and that the parents have equal shared parental responsibility. The children were ordered to live with the father, with specific provisions for the children to spend time with the mother in Sweden during school holidays and other agreed periods. The orders detailed the responsibilities of each parent regarding travel arrangements, including the booking and payment of flights, and stipulated communication protocols, such as telephone and webcam access. The court also made orders regarding the provision of school reports and photographs to the mother, notification of any change of residential address, and the supervision of compliance with the orders for a period not exceeding two years by a family consultant. All extant applications were dismissed.