Wellham and Pulsoni

This matter came before Bennett J concerning a dispute between Wellham and Pulsoni. The proceedings involved allegations of sexual abuse and other forms of abuse concerning the parties' children, B, C, and J. The court was required to make orders regarding the children's welfare and the conduct of the parties in relation to the ongoing proceedings.

The court was tasked with determining the necessary interim arrangements for the children, including supervised contact with the father, and the process for obtaining crucial information to inform the court's decision-making. This involved directing the preparation of a Family Report by a Family Consultant, the undertaking of psychiatric assessments of both parents, and the particularisation of allegations of abuse. The court also needed to address the practicalities of supervised contact, including the location and frequency of such contact, and the application for funding for the assessments.

In reaching its decision, the court applied principles relating to the best interests of the child, as well as procedural rules governing the gathering of evidence in family law proceedings. The court ordered that a Family Report be prepared, and that both parents undergo psychiatric assessments, with the Independent Children's Lawyer to facilitate these processes and provide copies of the reports. Specific directions were given for the mother to particularise her allegations of sexual abuse and to detail any other alleged abuse. The court also made orders for supervised contact between the father and the children at a contact centre, with specific parameters regarding frequency and duration, and noted that the eldest child, B, was not required to attend if she did not wish to. The court further ordered that a subpoena to the Chief Commissioner of Police be extended.