Wegiel and Edwins

In the matter of *Wegiel and Edwins*, Dawe J of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia considered orders relating to the time spent by two children, C and R, with their father. The dispute concerned the arrangements for the children's contact with their father, including the supervision of that contact.

The court was required to determine the terms of interim orders concerning the children's time with their father. This involved establishing the duration and frequency of supervised contact, the role of a supervisor, and the conditions under which such contact would occur. The court also had to consider the provisions of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) regarding the particulars of obligations and consequences of contravening court orders.

Dawe J made orders for the children to spend time with their father for a minimum of three hours fortnightly on a weekend, supervised by Mr M. A condition of this order was that the Independent Children’s Lawyer interview Mr M to ensure his suitability to protect the children and his willingness to terminate contact if necessary. Further orders provided for supervised contact at the B Contact Centre for two hours on alternate weekends, distinct from the time supervised by Mr M. The court also directed that a Fact Sheet detailing the obligations, consequences of contravention, and sources of assistance be attached to the orders, pursuant to sections 65DA(2) and 62B of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). The matter was adjourned for mention.