Tabano and Yabon (No 2)

In *Tabano and Yabon (No 2)*, Forrest J of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia was required to make orders concerning the disclosure of residential addresses in family law proceedings. The dispute involved the father's obligation to provide his residential address and that of Ms P to specified parties, while restricting disclosure to the applicant mother and her husband, Mr V.

The central legal issue before the court was how to balance the need for disclosure of residential addresses in family law matters with the protection of parties from potential harm or harassment. Specifically, the court had to determine the appropriate conditions under which such sensitive personal information should be shared, considering the safety and well-being of the children and the parties involved.

Forrest J applied principles of family law concerning the paramountcy of the child's welfare and the need to ensure the safety of parties. The court reasoned that while disclosure of residential addresses is often necessary for the proper conduct of family law proceedings, it must be carefully managed to prevent misuse. Consequently, the court ordered that the father provide his residential address and that of Ms P via email to the Judge's Associate, the Independent Children's Lawyer, and the mother's solicitors. Crucially, these addresses were not to be disclosed to the applicant mother or Mr V without a further court order or the father's written consent, thereby implementing protective measures.