Sully and Exelmans (No.3)

In the matter of Sully and Exelmans (No.3), Bennett J of the Family Court of Australia considered parenting proceedings concerning the child T. The dispute involved the father's contact with the child, with the court needing to determine interim arrangements pending a final hearing.

The court was required to determine whether parenting orders ought to be further altered pending the final hearing. This involved considering the best interests of the child, T, and the appropriate interim arrangements for contact between the father and the child. The court also addressed the need for independent representation of the child's interests and the preparation of a Family Report.

Bennett J ordered that the parenting proceedings be reinstated and adjourned for a further hearing to determine interim parenting orders. The court directed that the interests of the child T be independently represented by a lawyer, requesting Victoria Legal Aid to arrange this appointment. Interim contact arrangements were established, including supervised time at a contact centre once the family was accepted, and communication via a mobile telephone provided by the father. A Family Report was also ordered to be prepared.