Wing and Low and Anor

In the matter of *Wing and Low*, Strickland J of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia considered an application concerning children. The dispute involved the applicant and the second respondent, with the court making orders relating to the children's welfare and the progression of the case.

The court was required to determine the appropriate procedural steps to ensure the children's best interests were paramount in the proceedings. This involved considering how to facilitate a resolution of issues affecting the children and how to gather necessary information for the court to make informed decisions.

Strickland J ordered that the applicant and the second respondent attend an Intake Event for the Child Responsive Program and all future appointments with the Family Consultant, and that the child attend all meetings as instructed. Following these consultations, the Family Consultant was to provide a Children and Parents Issues Assessment to the parties and the Court. The case was then to be listed before a Registrar to consider the Family Consultant's recommendations and make procedural orders, including the urgent appointment of an Independent Children’s Lawyer. The Family Consultant was granted permission to inspect the Court file and subpoenaed documents for the purpose of preparing the assessment. Finally, upon completion of the Child Responsive Program, the Registrar was to provide the parties with the first available trial date before a judge.