Temple and Dobrovic

This matter came before Strickland J concerning parenting orders for a child, C, born in September 2003. The dispute involved the father's time with the child, the conditions under which that time would occur, and the broader welfare of the child during the proceedings.

The court was required to determine the specific arrangements for the child's time with the father, including the duration and frequency of these periods. Crucially, the court also had to consider the conditions to be attached to this time, particularly regarding supervision, and the need for both parents to engage in programs aimed at improving their parenting capacity and communication. The court also addressed the child's emotional well-being and the need to prevent denigration between the parents in the child's presence.

Strickland J made detailed orders aimed at facilitating supervised time between the father and child, contingent on the father completing an anger management course. The paternal grandparents were to supervise these periods and confirm their understanding of their responsibilities. The father was also permitted to attend school events. Both parents were ordered to participate in a parenting program, and the child was to commence counselling with a psychologist nominated by the Independent Children’s Lawyer to provide support during the proceedings. An injunction was granted restraining both parties from denigrating each other or their families in the presence of the child. The court also attached a fact sheet outlining the obligations and consequences of contravening the orders, pursuant to sections 62B and 65DA(2) of the *Family Law Act 1975*.