34Proceedings etc for contact

34 Proceedings etc for contact

34 Proceedings etc for contact

(1) A New South Wales court hearing proceedings concerning contact with a child must admit into evidence and consider the findings (if any) of a competent authority of a Convention country on the suitability of a parent to have contact with the child.

(2) A New South Wales court may adjourn the proceedings concerning contact with a child pending the outcome of a request by a parent in relation to the child to a competent authority of a Convention country for a finding on the suitability of the parent to have contact with the child.

(3) On the application of a parent who is an Australian resident seeking to obtain or keep contact with a child, a New South Wales court may—

(a) admit evidence, and

(b) make a finding on the suitability of that parent to have contact with the child, and

(c) specify conditions on which the contact is to be given.

(4) In considering a matter concerning contact with a child, the Secretary—

(a) must consider evidence and the findings (if any) of a competent authority of a Convention country on the suitability of a parent to have contact with the child, and

(b) may postpone considering the matter pending the outcome of a request by a parent to a competent authority of a Convention country for a finding on the suitability of the parent to have contact with the child.