Redenbach v Norris Bros Pty Ltd

Case •

[2025] NSWSC 765

•

14 July 2025

No judgment structure available for this case.

Supreme Court


New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Redenbach v Norris Bros Pty Ltd [2025] NSWSC 765
Hearing dates: 14 July 2025
Date of orders: 14 July 2025
Decision date: 14 July 2025
Jurisdiction:Equity
Before: Meek J
Decision:

Orders extending the time for making a rectification application made. Rectification orders made. Order for costs of and incidental to the application be paid out of the estate made.

Catchwords:

SUCCESSION — Wills — Succession Act 2006 (NSW) s 27 — Application for rectification of Will — Whether Will gives effect to the testator’s intention — Will gifts nephew property traced by the Lachlan River, including stock and crops on the land but omits reference to water access licence required to utilise the property effectively — Evidence from solicitor that omission was an oversight — Found that Will did not give effect to testator’s intention — Rectification orders made

SUCCESSION — Wills — Succession Act 2006 (NSW) s 27 — Request for an extension of time for making a rectification application — Whether extension is necessary — Whether final distribution of estate has been made — Order extending time for application made

Legislation Cited:

Succession Act 2006 (NSW)

Water Act 1912 (NSW)

Water Management Act 2000 (NSW)

Wills Probate and Administration Act 1898 (NSW)

Cases Cited:

Austin v Woodward [2011] EWHC 2458 (Ch)

Bear v Bear; Jordan v Bear [2022] NSWSC 1687

Bell v Georgiou [2002] EWHC 1080 (Ch)

Lewis v Lewis (2021) 105 NSWLR 487; [2021] NSWCA 168

Reeves v Reeves [2024] NSWSC 134

Ryledar Pty Ltd v Euphoric Pty Ltd (2007) 69 NSWLR 603; [2007] NSWCA 65

Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd v Ostwald Bros Pty Ltd (in liquidation) (2019) 99 NSWLR 317; [2019] NSWCA 11

Trimmer v Lax (Supreme Court (NSW), Hodgson J, 9 May 1997, unrep: BC9702254)

Vescio v Bannister (Estate of the late Betty Tait) [2010] NSWSC 1274; (2010) 3 ASTLR 619

Wordingham v Royal Exchange Trust Co Ltd [1992] Ch 412

Texts Cited:

Australian Government Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, “About the Lachlan River” (Webpage) (see endnotes for accessible link)

Carr, Daniel J, “Rectification of testamentary writings in Scotland, England and Wales, and Australia” (2023) 17 Journal of Equity 181

Catchment Management Authority, “Lachlan (Kalare*) Catchment Action Plan 2013-2023”

Heydon, D, MJ Leeming and PG Turner, Meagher, Gummow & Lehane’s Equity: Doctrine & Remedies (5th ed, 2014, LexisNexis Butterworth)

Lake Cargelligo, “Welcome to Lake Cargelligo and surrounds” (Webpage) (see endnotes for accessible link)

Oxford Dictionary, online ed

Category:Principal judgment
Parties: John Redenbach – First Plaintiff
Scott Harvey – Second Plaintiff
Norris Bros Pty Ltd - Defendant
Representation: Counsel:
C Birtles with J Lee – First and Second Plaintiffs
Solicitors:
Bartier Perry Lawyers – First and Second Plaintiffs
File Number(s): 2025/00119591

ex tempore JUDGMENT (revised)

Introduction

  1. HIS HONOUR: The Lachlan River is the fourth longest river in Australia commencing near Goulburn in the Great Dividing Range and ending at the Great Cumbung Swamp near Oxley New South Wales. [1] It is the only river in New South Wales with significant wetlands along its length rather than just towards its end. [2]

    1. Australian Government Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, “About the Lachlan River” (Webpage) accessed 14 July 2025:

    2. Catchment Management Authority, “Lachlan (Kalare*) Catchment Action Plan 2013-2023” (Catchment Action Plan) at 22.

  2. In the early 1920’s and 1930’s at least three of eight siblings, members of the Norris family, were born in Lake Cargelligo, a township in central western New South Wales taking its name from an associated natural lake known for recreational activities including water skiing and kayaking. [3]

    3. Lake Cargelligo, “Welcome to Lake Cargelligo and surrounds” (Webpage) accessed 14 July 2025:

  3. The lake is one of the lakes that provides significant drought refuges and significant impacts on the functioning of the Lachlan River catchment system. [4]

    4. Catchment Action Plan at 22.

  4. The river traces the northern boundary of a property known as Cocos, located approximately 50 kilometres west of Condobolin, associated with the late Ronald James Morris (deceased), the farmer and grazier who resided on a property, Fairview Cargelligo.

  5. Ironically, the aquatic features which significantly impacted the utilisation and value of Cocos and other properties held by Ronald form part of the geographic background to a claim for rectification of Ronald Norris which omitted reference to a water access licence (WAL).

  6. The plaintiffs, Ronald’s executors, contend that Ronald by his last testamentary instrument made on 8 February 2018 (Will) intended to give WAL 1670 to his nephew Brian James Miles (Brian), but the Will prepared by a solicitor, Mark Andrew Manning Olsen (Mr Olsen), omitted specific reference to it. For the reasons I now elaborate, I find the contentions established and the omission can be effectively cured.

Family advisors and properties

  1. The events regarding this claim centre around four of the Norris family siblings and their farming lands. For convenience and without intending any disrespect, I will refer to the various individuals by their given names. The eight siblings are Elsie, Mavis (her married surname being Harvey) Harold, Edna, Lorna, John, George and Ronald.

  2. Mavis has one child, Neil, and Neil has two children, Scott and Kristy. John has three children, Colin, Keith and Brian. Keith has a child, Michael.

  3. None of Harold, George nor Ronald had any children.

  4. George and Ronald lived on the property, Fairfield (otherwise referred to as Fairfield Burgooney).

  5. In or about October 1962, a company, Norris Bros Pty Ltd (Norris Bros), was incorporated.

  6. The brothers had various professional advisors, including the first plaintiff (Mr Redenbach, an accountant) and a solicitor, Mr Olsen.

  7. George and Ronald held various Crown Land properties and WALs in association with Norris Bros. Certain of the properties were held in the sole name of each of George, Ronald and Norris Bros, some were held in the joint names of George and Ronald, and some were held in Ronald’s name with Norris Bros. The various named properties were comprised of a number of different lots.

  8. On 31 January 2001, Harold passed away.

  9. On 2 May 2008, WAL 1670 was issued in the joint names of Ronald and Norris Bros. The precise details for that is unclear but need not be probed.

Wills and estate

  1. On 17 January 2007, George made a Will. On 28 October 2014, George died and probate of his Will was granted to Ronald on 8 July 2016. George’s Will relevantly appoints Ronald as executor and, in the events which occurred, left the whole of his estate to Ronald.

  2. On 8 February 2018, Ronald made a Will.

  3. On 19 December 2018, Ronald died and probate of his Will was granted to the plaintiffs.

  4. Ronald held the following property in his own name:

  1. Real Estate

  1. ‘Clare Elgin’                  E$160,000

  2. ‘Cocos’                  E$400,000

  3. ‘Waddi’                  E$400,000

  4. ‘Yeronga’                  E$500,000

  1. One-half interest in water access licence WAL 160   E$777,600

  2. Money in current accounts               E$3,061.43

  3. 1049 IAG shares @ $7.84 per share         E$8,224.16

  4. Shares in Norris Bros Pty Limited

  1. 3A class shares               E$4,868,266

  2. 6500 ordinary shares         

  1. Personal effects            (no commercial value)

  1. Clause numbers do not appear alongside the first three clauses of the Will. Nonetheless, it is clear enough which content applies to the first three clauses (as I have referenced in italics below). Clauses 1 to 6 of the Will are as follows: [5]

    5. Readers should be aware that certain words in the Will are underlined which is only viewable on the Caselaw website.

[1] I HEREBY REVOKE all my previous testamentary dispositions.

[2]

(a) I APPOINT my accountant JOHN POST REDENBACH and great nephew SCOTT HARVEY to be the Executors of this my Will and in this will the expression “my Executor” includes the Executors, Trustee or Trustees for the time being of this Will and the trusts arising under it; and

(b) I GIVE the whole of my estate upon trust to my said Executor to firstly pay out from same all my just debts, taxes, charges and testamentary expenses and thereafter as follows:

[3] I DIRECT my Executor to hold all my shares (noting that I am currently the sole shareholder) in Norris Bros. Pty. Ltd. on Trust and as soon as practicable after obtaining a grant of Probate transfer the following assets from the said company:

(a) To my nephews KEITH WILLIAM NORRIS and MICHAEL NORRIS all my rural lands, improvements, any stock and/or crops growing situated at “Coandown” Mt. Hope and “Vigana” Mt.Hope in the said State.

(b) To my nephew BRIAN JAMES NORRIS all my rural lands, improvements, any stock and/or crops growing situated at “Cocos” Lake Cargelligo in the said State.

4. I GIVE the following legacies:

(a) To my nephew COLIN ARTHUR NORRIS the sum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00).

(b) To my grandniece KRISTY LOUISE HARVEY the sum of forty thousand dollars ($40,000.00).

5. I GIVE the rest and residue of my estate to my grand nephews SCOTT HARVEY and NEIL CHARLES HARVEY and if more than one in equal shares as tenants-in-common absolutely.

6. IN THE EVENT of any of my nephews or grandnephews predecease me or do not survive me by thirty (30) days and such of my said nephews or grandnephews leaves any child or children, then that child or those children shall on attaining the age of twenty-one (21) years take equally the share which their parent would otherwise have taken, and if more than one, in equal shares as tenants-in-common.

  1. Some of the assets that were part of the deceased’s estate have already been distributed. Mr Birtles in his submissions states:

10   The property known as “Cocos” was transmitted to Brian in July 2021.

11   The property known as “Elgin” at Tullamore was sold.

12   The legacies of $40,000 to Christie Louise Harvey and $50,000 to Colin Arthur Norris have been paid. Interest of $3,840 and $5,136.99 has not yet been paid.

13   The properties known as “Coandowns” Mt Hope and “Vigana” Mount Hope, referred to in clause 3(a) of the Will of the Deceased, were transmitted to Keith Norris and Michael Norris prior to the deceased’s death.

  1. The Will does not expressly dispose of Ronald’s interests in WAL 1670. On one view, his interest in that asset is disposed generally under residue.

Procedural matters

  1. On 28 March 2025, Mr Redenbach and Scott, the executors, filed a summons seeking declaratory relief regarding the Will and an order for rectification.

  2. No defendant was named. Nonetheless, it was recognised that Brian and Neil were affected by the relief sought.

  3. On 7 April 2025, they were served with notices of proceedings by the correspondence with their respective solicitors. On 15 May 2025 and 3 June 2025, Neil and Brian respectively filed notices of submitting appearance.

  4. Subsequently, on 20 June 2025, the plaintiffs filed an amended summons naming Norris Bros as defendant and seeking the following relief, with the strikethrough marking relief no longer sought and the underlining marking additions: [6]

    6. Readers should be aware the strikethrough and underlining is only viewable on the Caselaw website. The strikethrough pertains to “in the third line of clause 3 deleting the words ‘from the said company’” and the underlining pertains to “commencing clause 3 with the following words ‘I GIVE my interest in the following assets, and’ before the words ‘I DIRECT my Executor’”.

  1. A declaration that the Court is satisfied that the Will dated 8 February 2018 (Will) of Ronald James Norris (the Deceased) does not carry out the testamentary intentions of the Deceased.

  2. An order that the Will of the Deceased be rectified by:

  1. in the third line of clause 3 deleting the words “from the said company” commencing clause 3 with the following words “I GIVE my interest in the following assets, and” before the words “I DIRECT my Executor”; and

  2. in the first line of clause 3(b), including the following “WAL 1670,” after the word “improvements”.

  1. An order extending the time for the making of this application up to the date of the filing of this summons.

  2. Costs.

  3. Such further or other orders as the Court deems appropriate.

  1. There is evidence that the amended summons has been served. Norris Bros has not filed a notice of appearance.

Rectification principles

  1. In common parlance, rectification is “the action of setting right, restoring to a normal or proper condition, or freeing from defects, imperfections or errors.” [7]

    7. Oxford Dictionary, online ed.

  2. Outside the law, humanity’s approach to rectification varies. Nonetheless the extent of the approach is often more fulsome and benevolent than the approach within English law.

  3. The meets and bounds of rectification in law depends upon the jurisdiction involved. Rectification issues often arise in respect of instruments or transactions involving various parties. Common law permitted a form of rectification of a mistake through a means of construction of the relevant instrument in cases of clear error where it was evident what a reasonable person would have understood the parties to have meant. [8]

    8. Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd v Ostwald Bros Pty Ltd (in liquidation) (2019) 99 NSWLR 317; [2019] NSWCA 11 (Seymour) at [6] per Leeming JA (Payne and White JJA agreeing at [44] and [45] respectively).

  4. Equity also has rectification jurisdiction described as reforming the instrument in which the parties had mistakenly expressed an intention. [9]

    9. JD Heydon, MJ Leeming and PG Turner, Meagher, Gummow & Lehane’s Equity: Doctrine & Remedies (5th ed, 2014, LexisNexis Butterworth) (MGL) at [27-010]; Ryledar Pty Ltd v Euphoric Pty Ltd (2007) 69 NSWLR 603; [2007] NSWCA 65 at [122] per Tobias JA, Mason P at [1] and Campbell JA at [257] agreeing.

  5. However, conceptually, there is a “world of difference” in the approaches taken at law and in equity. Thus: [10]

rectification in equity turns on the discrepancy between the written instrument and a separately proven contrary common intention, which was intended to have been incorporated into the instrument, such that it is unconscientious for a party to insist on performance in accordance with the written instrument. 

10. Seymour at [15].

  1. Equity has strict conditions for enlivening the jurisdiction and requires clear and convincing proof of the intention claimed to give rise to the rectification sought. [11]

    11. Seymour at [13].

  2. Notably, it is said there is no equitable jurisdiction to rectify wills. [12] How the law of probate responded to mistakes was outlined by Leeming JA in Lewis v Lewis (2021) 105 NSWLR 487; [2021] NSWCA 168 (Lewis) at [151]-[163]. [13]

    12. MGL at [27-005].

    13. Meagher JA at [1] and Payne JA at [218] agreeing.

  3. Statutory provisions have filled the void within succession law to permit rectifications in specified instances.

  4. Part of the history of rectification of testamentary writings in Australia is recounted in an insightful article by Daniel Carr. [14]

    14. Daniel J Carr, “Rectification of testamentary writings in Scotland, England and Wales, and Australia” (2023) 17 Journal of Equity 181.

  5. In Lewis, Leeming JA observed [15] that the mistake doctrine is “much affected by statute” and indeed doubted that the “mistake doctrine” can survive in light of the scope and purpose of the statutory rectification power. Nonetheless, in circumstances in which the matter had not been argued, his Honour refrained from expressing any concluded opinion on the matter. [16]

    15. At [164].

    16. At [165].

  6. The statutory provisions are not unbounded and have specified limits. Nonetheless, s 27 rectification may cover a multitude of factual circumstances in the form of clerical errors and failures to give effect to the testator’s intent instructions, lapses by omission included.

  7. Section 27 is in the following terms:

  1. The Court may make an order to rectify a will to carry out the intentions of the testator, if the Court is satisfied the will does not carry out the testator’s intentions because—

  1. a clerical error was made, or

  2. the will does not give effect to the testator’s instructions.

  1. A person who wishes to make an application for an order under the section must apply to the Court within 12 months after the date of the death of the testator.

  2. However, the Court may, at any time, extend the period of time for making an application specified in subsection (2) if—

  1. the Court considers it necessary, and

  2. the final distribution of the estate has not been made.

  1. I set out the principles regarding s 27 rectification in Reeves v Reeves [2024] NSWSC 134 (Reeves) at [415]-[436]. Regarding clerical errors under s 27(1)(a), I commented:

429. Section 27(1) of the Succession Act contains the conjunction ”because”. The word ”because”, in context, connotes a basis for something occurring ”for the reason that; due to the fact”: Macquarie Dictionary, online ed.

430. I accept that s 27(1)(a) of the Succession Act requires that there be some connection between the clerical error and the failure that the Will does not carry out the testator’s intentions.

431.   However, I have to confess that, for my part, I would doubt that the second question posed by his Honour in Re Will of McCowen at [13] is an apt question and that the indication that the clerical error is the ”principal” or ”sole or dominant”reason as to why the Will does not carry out the testator’s intentions is a requirement of the statutory provision.

…

433.   The notion of there being a requirement that the error be the ”principal” or”sole or dominant”reason as to why the Will does not carry out the testator’s intentions has not been adopted in other cases.

  1. I have been assisted by Mr Birtles who appeared with Mr Lee with helpful reference to authorities.

  2. In Trimmer v Lax (Supreme Court (NSW), Hodgson J, 9 May 1997, unrep: BC9702254) (Trimmer), his Honour addressed a case of rectification under the (somewhat different) provisions of s 29A of the Wills Probate and Administration Act 1898 (NSW) (WPA) (as it then was known).

  3. In that case, his Honour recounted various pieces of evidence bearing upon intention.

  4. His Honour concluded at page 12 that there was material to suggest the continuity of intention from 1979 to 1989 and beyond that Mrs Lax receive half of the property either in her own right or by virtue of her relationship with Mr Mitchell, her husband who had passed. His Honour did not think that great weight should be given to variation in the way that that intention had been expressed from time to time.

  5. In Vescio v Bannister (Estate of the late Betty Tait) [2010] NSWSC 1274; (2010) 3 ASTLR 619 (Vescio) Justice Barrett described the analysis required by s 27 in the following terms:

12 Implicit in s 27(1)(b) is an assumption that the testator gave “instructions” as to the content of the will. “Instructions” are, of their nature, communicated by one person to another with a view to compliance or obedience by that other person. It seems to follow that s 27(1)(b) cannot apply to a will composed and written by the testator personally.

13    In the present case, the will was drawn by a solicitor. There is evidence about the communication by the deceased to the solicitor of “instructions”, in the sense of expression by her of her wishes as to how her estate should be disposed of by the will the solicitor was asked to prepare. The court thus has a basis for making findings as to the content of “the testator’s instructions”.

14    Having ascertained “the testator’s instructions”, the court must construe the will as executed and compare its effect, according to its proper construction, with those “instructions”: ANZ Trustees Ltd v Hamlet [2010] VSC 207 at [3]; and see the course of analysis and comparison in The Public Trustee of Queensland v Smith [2008] QSC 339; [2009] 1 QdR 26. Only if some discrepancy appears can an order be made under s 27; and the only permissible order is one that causes the will to be in a form that carries out the testator’s “intentions”.

15 It follows that the court must also make findings about the “intentions” of the testator – necessarily, of course, the “intentions” existing when the will was made. It is those “intentions” that any rectifying order must reflect. Although the legislation does not expressly say so, it must, I think, be inferred that the “intentions” of the testator correspond, as to content, with “the testator’s instructions”. I say this because, in the ordinary course, a testator’s intention is that his will should implement the instructions he gives for its preparation. It is with that intention that s 27(1)(b) is concerned. This seems to have been assumed in both Re Hawkes [2005] VSC 93 (at [17]) and Lawler v Herd [2010] QSC 281.

  1. Mr Birtles also referred me to a number of English authorities bearing upon rectification. These included Wordingham v Royal Exchange Trust Co Ltd [1992] Ch 412, Bell v Georgiou [2002] EWHC 1080 (Ch) and Austin v Woodward [2011] EWHC 2458 (Ch) (Austin). Except in one respect, which I will mention, noting that the English legislation is in different terms to s 27, I consider it a safer guide to refer to and apply the principles as set out in Reeves and Vescio.

  2. I addressed the principles relevant to an extension of time for the making of a rectification claim in Bear v Bear; Jordan v Bear [2022] NSWSC 1687 (Bear). The provisions for an extension of time under s 27 differ to the “sufficient cause” provisions of s 29A(3) of the WPA.

  3. In Bear, regarding the requirement of s 27(3)(a) I stated at [236]-[240].

236.   The ordinary English meaning of ”necessary” connotes something that is ”requisite” or ”indispensable”: Macquarie Dictionary, online ed.

237.   In Reilly v Reilly [2017] NSWSC 1419, Lindsay J found that a Will had not carried out the testator’s intentions.

238.   His Honour had cause to address the question of whether an extension of time for an application for rectification ought be made. In that case, the deceased had died in December 2012 and the claim for rectification (following an order for pleadings) had been made in October 2014.

239. His Honour noted that the plaintiff’s delay in making the application had not been fully explained in the course of events following the deceased’s death: at [62]. However, no application for a grant of representation had been made in respect of the estate until the applicant had applied.

240. In the context in which there had been no final distribution of the deceased’s estate and in circumstances in which his Honour determined that the Will had not carried out the deceased’s intentions, his Honour determined that an order for rectification (and an associated grant of extension of time) was ”necessary” for the purpose of giving effect to the deceased’s testamentary intentions: at [62].

  1. In addition, an extension of time may only be permitted provided the final distribution of the estate has not been made: s 27(3)(b).

  2. The reference to the “final distribution of the estate” makes it clear that rectification is not precluded if there has been some distribution of the estate but not a final distribution. Quite often in the course of administration of an estate, an executor or administrator will make an interim distribution of some property. Highly material to the Court’s discretion to extend time will be the question of whether the particular provision of the Will which is sought to be rectified deals with property which on the one hand has already been distributed in part or in whole or on the other hand property which has not been distributed (even if there has been distribution of property disposed of by other provisions of the Will). In Bear I stated: [17]

The reference in s 27 Succession Act to the final distribution of the deceased’s estate not being made is, in my provisional view, most likely intended to invite consideration of whether there is any prejudice to any party in an order for rectification being made.

17. At [253].

Cocos & WAL 1670

  1. Cocos consists of 2,980 acres, 520 of which are set out for flood land irrigation. WAL 1670 is a Lachlan River (General Security) water licence which was used during Ronald’s lifetime for watering crops to cut for hay and water pastures. The water was pumped directly from the Lachlan River using an onsite fixed 12” pump and delivered to the irrigation paddocks via eastern channels. This allowed Cocos to have a stock carrying capacity of 1,200 ewes with lambs at foot alongside 30 to 40 head of cattle. The ability to water the irrigation paddocks significantly increased the capacity. [18]

    18. Affidavit of Scott Harvey affirmed 26 June 2025, Court Book (CB) 35-36 [8]-[13].

  2. Mr Birtles in his submissions outlined the history of WAL 1670 as well as the water license statutory scheme. When Mr Olson first carried out work for Ronald in around 1989 or 1990, water entitlements in relation to the Lachlan River were regulated by the Water Act 1912 (NSW) (WA). Under that Act, a water licence was deemed to be held by and operated for the benefit of the lawful occupier of the land. Upon the commencement of the Water Management Act 2000 (NSW) (WMA), licences issued under the WA generally became replaced by entitlements to water access licences which are transferrable and dealt with independently of the land. [19] Transitional provisions for the replacement of WALs issued under the WA with WALs under the WMA were contained in cll 3, 9, 10 and 23(1) of Schedule 10 of the latter Act.

    19. See Plaintiff’s Outline of Submissions at [18]-[25].

  3. WAL1670 was issued under s 56 of the WMA to Ronald and Norris Bros on 2 May 2008. The evidence does not directly address the reason why WAL 1670 was issued at that time to Norris Bros Pty Ltd and the deceased as tenants in common.

  4. Mr Birtles submits that the list of properties owned by Harold, George and Ronald prepared by Mr Olson (list) discloses that the land which comprised Cocos was owned by Ronald and Norris Bros. He submits that it is likely Norris Bros and Ronald came to hold WAL 1670 by operation of Sch 10 of the WMA.

Testamentary background

  1. In or about late 1989 or early 1990, Mr Olsen became acquainted with Harold, George and Ronald and commenced doing work for them.

  2. During the early 1990’s, he was instructed to prepare Wills for each of George and Ronald. The Wills were almost identical with properties being gifted to specific nephews and great nephews.

  3. At about this time he prepared the list and received instructions from Ronald.

  4. Mr Olsen was aware that prior to about 2000, water licences were attached to the land and for that reason stated it was not necessary to specifically gift water licences prior to this time.

  5. In the late 1990’s, George and Ronald’s Wills were digitised. In or about the early 2000’s, Mr Olsen updated the list to include water licences. The structure of the list, which appears in the form of a spreadsheet, contains folio identifier references for each of the specific Crown Land holdings. Land was itemised first in the list and after those references the final seven items on the list are WAL references, relevantly associated with Fairview, Allawah and Yeronga. The listing of the WAL at the end of the list appears consistent with the change to the statutory regime.

  6. There is certain handwriting on the list made by Mr Olsen and I will come to a particular reference to handwriting associated with WAL 1670 shortly.

  7. On Friday 11 July 2025, Mr Olsen swore a further affidavit supplementing his existing evidence regarding the list. He states the list was created well before Ronald’s death, although he cannot remember the exact date and time. He says, in lighter pencil, he noted where certain assets were to go before he took instructions from Ronald to transfer the Mt Hope properties. He is certain that the notes in heavier pen were made in the presence of Ronald and possibly Scott as he wanted to ensure he had the correct properties and their Folio identifier numbers and WALs married up.

  8. Over the years Ronald provided Mr Olsen with instructions to amend his Will to take account of various events, including Harold’s death, George’s death and the sale and/or transfer of property. However, prior Wills for Ronald were not retained by Mr Olsen or the law practice. It is Mr Olsen’s recollection that it was always Ronald’s intention that Brian was to receive Cocos and the associated water licence. He states: [20]

Despite these amendments to Ronald’s Will, it is my understanding that it was always Ronald’s intention that Brian was to receive “Cocos” and the associated water licence as shown by his name written by me near those items in the List in annexure “A” to my affidavit. Ronald did assist me to clarify which WAL went with each property. When taking instructions from Ronald, I am absolutely sure that he said to me, “/ want Cocos to go to Brian,” and because he had previously tied the WALS to the relevant parcel of land, I understand Ronald wanted everything on the land such as machinery and water to go to Brian as Brian had really been working the Cocos land.

20. Affidavit of Mr Olson sworn 25 March 2025, CB 13[18].

  1. Scott states: [21]

I recall many conversations with the Deceased and with his late brother George (who died before the Deceased), although I am unable to recall the dates of those conversations. However, my recollection of what was said by the Deceased and George is clear. The following was said by George and by the Deceased to me on many occasions:

“Whatever is on whatever’s farm is where it goes when I die.”

It was my clear understanding from the above that everything owned by George and the Deceased on a property, including anything owed through their company, Norris Bros Pty Ltd, was to go with the property, after their deaths. This included such things as water licences, plant, equipment, grain on hand and livestock.

21. Affidavit of Scott affirmed 2 April 2025, CB 23[10].

  1. Mr Olsen frankly indicates that the omission of reference to WALs in Ronald’s Will was an oversight.

  2. Approximately six months prior to Ronald’s death, Ronald gave Mr Olsen instructions to transfer all properties including WALs to persons who would otherwise receive the property under his Will. Mr Olsen started that process. However, it took some time. There was some complication which is not necessary to recount.

  3. Mr Olsen undertook preliminary work to effect transfer of Cocos to Brian prior to Ronald’s death but it was not completed by the time of his death. One issue associated with the delay was a taxation issue which prevented a transfer to Brian during Ronald’s lifetime. Mr Olsen recalls dealing with Scott as Ronald’s attorney.

Preface to clause 3

  1. Mr Birtles’ submissions address the preface to clause 3 as follows:

51   The addition of the words “I GIVE my interest in the following assets, and” at the commencement of cl 3, as sought by prayer 2(a) of the Amended Summons filed 20 June 2025, is designed to make it clear the subject matter of the gift are assets owned both personally by the Deceased and by Norris Bros Pty Ltd, a company of which he was the sole shareholder.

  1. Mr Birtles reiterated this on the hearing, explaining that the current preface to clause 3 may suggest that the subject matter of clause 3 are exclusively assets of the company whereas in reality they are owned both personally by Ronald and by Norris Bros.

Delay

  1. Under s 27(2), an application for a rectification order must be made within 12 months after the date of death of the testator.

  2. There has been some delay in bringing the application. More than 12 months have passed since Ronald’s death on 19 December 2019.

  3. Under s 27(3), the Court may extend the period of time for making an application if the Court considers it necessary and the final distribution of the estate has not been made.

  4. Scott explains the reasons for the delay as follows: [22]

12   Probate was granted on 2 November 2020. It was not until June 2022, that Brian, via his solicitors, foreshadowed a claim to deal with the proper interpretation of the Will.

13   On or about 5 October 2022, we, as executors of the Estate, obtained the advice of Gordon McGrath, barrister,

14   After about July 2023, we, obtained a copy of a further legal opinion from Bartier Perry. As part of this opinion, we were advised to proceed with an out of time application to correct the Will to include WAL 1670 as part of the gift of “Cocos” to Brian.

15   On 22 February 2024, Commins Hendriks, on behalf of Neil Charles Harvey, one of the residuary beneficiaries, advised that he did not consent to any rectification application and that WAL 1670 should form part of the residue of the Estate.

16   The Deceased’s interest in WAL 1670 has not been transferred as yet.

17   We have also been preparing the relevant documents and evidence to proceed with an affidavit to clarify the assets of the deceased at the date of his death and set out the correct financial position of the estate and to proceed with our application for rectification of the Will.

22. Affidavit of Scott Harvey affirmed 2 April 2025, CB 18[12]-[17].

Submission

  1. Mr Birtles’ final submission is that Mr Olsen’s oversight not to specifically include water licences, given that he was aware that WALs were no longer attached to the land and were separately transmissible, constituted failure to follow instructions or an error. He submits that there was, in this case, a continuation of instructions, drawing an analogy to the continuity of intention in Trimmer.

  2. Necessarily, Mr Birtles also seeks an extension of time to bring the application. He submits there is no claim of prejudice to any party and that the estate has not been fully distributed.

Determination

  1. The evidence which Mr Olsen has been able to give is quite generalised. He has not given particular evidence conveying instructions or regarding preparation of the Will on 8 February 2018 such as how it was prepared, who was present, what specific discussions he had with Ronald or any of the evidence about the typing of the Will to which he and a clerk were witnesses.

  2. Ordinarily, the lack of such detailed evidence might be fatal to a claim for revocation. However, each case is to be determined on its own facts. Obscurity regarding the precise circumstances of the drafting of the Will, due to imperfect recollections of those involved, does not necessarily preclude a successful claim for rectification. [23]

    23. Austin at [10].

  3. On the facts of this case, there are a number of aspects in the matter which suggest to me that the relief sought should be granted.

  4. First, I accept Mr Olsen’s evidence and Scott’s evidence regarding statements by the deceased which I have referred to above.

  5. Secondly, the various handwritten names on the list include the name of Brian next to WAL 1670. This appears to have been written by Mr Olsen in the presence of Ronald prior to Ronald’s death and before the instructions for the intergenerational transfer of properties. The notation of Brian’s name adjacent to the reference to WAL 1670 is strongly consistent with Ronald’s instructions as deposed to by Mr Olsen and Scott.

  6. Thirdly, there is no suggestion by Mr Olsen that Ronald varied his instructions in respect of WAL 1670 in the making of the Will.

  7. Fourthly, the structure of the Will is important. In clause 3 of the Will, Ronald was evidently cognisant that certain property was held either wholly or in part in the name of the Norris Bros. Clause 3 addresses disposition of certain of the property held by Norris Bros.

  8. There is no obvious rational reason as to why Ronald would have wished to gift Brian not merely the title of Cocos held in the name of Norris Bros, but also stock and/or crops growing and situated on Cocos and yet exclude the very piece of property which would meaningfully allow the stock and crops in the land to be valued and utilised, namely WAL 1670.

  9. Conceptually, the omission might be characterised as a clerical error. However, in light of the general affidavit evidence, it seems to me that it is more appropriately housed under a failure to give effect to the testator’s instructions.

  10. Subject to an extension of time, it seems to me that the relief sought to clause 3(b) should be granted.

  11. It also seems to me that the relief sought to the preface to clause 3 should be granted to give effect to Ronald’s instructions that assets both owned by himself personally and by Norris Bros be gifted in the ways specified in the sub-clauses.

  12. It took some time for the omission to come to light.

  13. In circumstances in which I consider that the mistake is relatively clear and in a context in which the purpose of the revocation is to ensure that the testator’s intentions are given effect to, I consider that it can be said that it is necessary to extend the time for making the application as, without doing that, an order for rectification cannot be made and Ronald’s intention would be stymied.

  14. As I have previously noted in Bear, the reference in s 27(3)(b) of the Succession Act to final distribution of the deceased’s estate not being made is most likely intended to invite consideration of whether there is any prejudice to any party in an order for rectification being made. In this particular instance, the persons affected by the relief sought have had an opportunity to contest the claim and have chosen not to actively do so. No prejudice is suggested.

  15. There has been some distribution of property in the administration of the estate. However there has not been a final distribution. In particular, there has not been a distribution of WAL 1670.

Conclusion

  1. The orders of the court are as follows.

  1. Orders, pursuant to s 27(3) Succession Act 2006 (NSW), that the time for the making of the application for rectification of the Will dated 8 February 2018 (Will) of the late Ronald James Norris (the deceased) be extended up to the date of the filing of the summons on 28 March 2025.

  2. Declares it is satisfied that the Will dated 8 February 2018 (Will) of Ronald James Norris (the deceased) does not carry out the testamentary intentions of the deceased.

  3. Orders, pursuant to s 27(1)(b) Succession Act 2006 (NSW), that the Will of the deceased be rectified by:

  1. inserting at the commencement of what is obviously clause 3 the words “I GIVE my interest in the following assets, and” before the words “I DIRECT my Executor’’; and

  2. in the first line of clause 3(b), inserting “WAL1670,” after the word “improvements”.

  1. Order that the plaintiffs’ costs of and incidental to the application be paid out of the estate of the deceased calculated on the indemnity basis.

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Endnotes

Decision last updated: 18 July 2025

Cases Citing This Decision

0

Cases Cited

15

Statutory Material Cited

4

Bear v Bear; Jordan v Bear [2022] NSWSC 1687
Lewis v Lewis [2021] NSWCA 168
Aboody v Ryan [2012] NSWCA 395