Washington and Barnett

In the matter of Washington and Barnett, Bennett J considered parenting orders concerning a child born in August 1994. The dispute involved the care, welfare, and development of the child, with the mother seeking sole responsibility. The court was presented with Minutes of Orders, which, if approved, would discharge all previous parenting orders and establish new arrangements for the child's living situation, education, and engagement with relevant agencies.

The primary legal issues before the court were the appropriate parenting arrangements for the child, including who would have sole responsibility for the child's care, welfare, and development, where the child would live, and the terms of the child's time with and communication with the father. Additionally, the court had to consider the child's ongoing education and the mother's obligation to engage with and follow the recommendations of specified government and community agencies, such as the Department of Human Services and the "Child First" program. The court also addressed the discharge of the Independent Children's Lawyer and the inclusion of specific information regarding the obligations and consequences of contravening the orders, as mandated by sections 65DA(2) and 62B of the *Family Law Act 1975*.

Bennett J made orders in terms of the Minutes of Orders dated 22 May 2007. These orders discharged all previous parenting orders and granted the mother sole responsibility for the child's care, welfare, and development. The child was to live with the mother, with time and communication with the father to be by agreement, subject to agency recommendations. The mother was directed to ensure the child's attendance at a specific college and to engage with and accept the recommendations of the Department of Human Services or any agency involved in the "Child First" program. The court also directed that the particulars of obligations and consequences of contravention, as set out in a Fact Sheet, be included in the orders. All extant applications were dismissed, and the appointment of the Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged.