Department of Family and Community Services & Arthur [2016] FamCA 1119

From the Family Court of Australia:

FAMILY LAW – CHILD ABDUCTION – Hague convention application – Application by the Secretary of the Department of Family and Community Services for the return of a five year old child to New Zealand – Dispute over her country of habitual residence – Dispute over father having rights of custody – Dispute over father exercising rights of custody – Where the child was wrongfully removed from New Zealand by the mother – Where the father did not consent to the mother removing the child –– Where grave risk of physical or psychological harm or an intolerable situation is not established – Where it is not established that the return would be against the fundamental principles of Australia relating to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms – Application for return granted – Adjournment for any conditions of return.

Madeleine Bridgett appeared for the respondent.