Tasker and Tasker

In the matter of *Tasker and Tasker*, Hannam J considered an application for the intervention of the Secretary of the NSW Department of Family and Community Services in proceedings before the Court. The specific nature of the underlying dispute between the parties, Tasker and Tasker, is not detailed in the provided text, but the orders indicate a context where the welfare of a child or children may be a concern, necessitating the involvement of a state child protection agency.

The central legal issue before the Court was whether to grant leave for the Secretary of the NSW Department of Family and Community Services to intervene in the proceedings. This involved considering the Court's power to request such intervention and the procedural steps required for an intervening party to participate in the litigation, including the inspection and copying of court documents.

Hannam J exercised the Court's power under Section 91B of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) to request the Secretary's intervention. The Court further granted leave, pursuant to Rule 24.13 of the *Family Law Rules 2004* (Cth), for the Secretary, or their delegate, to inspect and copy any documents on the Court file. This demonstrates the Court's willingness to facilitate the involvement of relevant state agencies when deemed necessary for the proper conduct of family law proceedings, particularly where child welfare considerations are likely to arise.