Teel & Brady

In the matter of *Teel & Brady*, heard by Bennett J, the applicant father, Mr Teel, and the respondent mother, Ms Brady, were involved in parenting proceedings concerning their child. The mother had made allegations of domestic violence and sexual abuse against the father.

The court was required to consider concerns raised regarding the adequacy of a family report prepared by a regulation 7 Family Consultant. Specifically, the court noted comments made by the consultant that their evidence had not been tested. In light of these concerns and the serious allegations, the court sought a psychiatric assessment of both parents by a single expert psychiatrist to determine their current mental state and respective capacities to parent.

Bennett J ordered that the parties cooperate to arrange for a psychiatric assessment of each parent by Dr H. The court further directed that the mother and the Independent Children's Lawyer apply to the Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania for an extension of assistance to cover the costs of this assessment. The matter was to be listed for mention before Justice McGuire for directions for trial, with provisions made for potential delays in the availability of Dr H's report. The court also ordered that its reasons for decision be transcribed and provided to the parties and the Independent Children's Lawyer, who was at liberty to provide a copy to the Legal Aid Commission.