Vasco and Birri

In the matter of Vasco and Birri, the Honourable Justice Cronin considered parenting orders concerning a child born in March 2003. The proceedings involved the husband and wife, and an Independent Children’s Lawyer, with the Department of Human Services also being requested to intervene.

The court was required to determine interim parenting arrangements and address serious allegations concerning the child's welfare, including the production of materials relating to alleged sexualised behaviour. The court also considered the need for intervention by the Department of Human Services and the production of expert reports.

Justice Cronin ordered the suspension of all existing parenting orders and made specific interim orders for the husband to spend time with the child on weekends, with collection and return at the wife's residence. The court also mandated the wife to deliver specific videos and photographs relating to the child's behaviour to the court for inspection by all parties and the Independent Children’s Lawyer. Furthermore, the court requested the intervention of the Department of Human Services regarding the child's welfare and directed the registry to notify the department and allow them access to the court file. The court also granted the wife leave to issue subpoenas to the child's speech therapy organisation and attached a fact sheet detailing the obligations and consequences of contravening the orders.