Norris v Routley

1. [1]

   On 6 June 2016 this matter was before the Court for directions. Since that time the parties filed submissions in the proceedings. The Court has had an opportunity to consider those submissions and it has become apparent that there is an issue with notations 1 and 2 to the orders made on 6 June.

2. [2]

   In particular, it appears that, although expressed as notations of agreement between the parties, the effect of those notations would be to bind the Court hearing the appeal.

3. [3]

   Ordinarily, of course, a motion to lead further or fresh evidence is determined at the appeal. If the motion is successful, the Court can simply decide the appeal on that basis and take into account the further or fresh evidence. The Court can in some cases permit the filing of further or fresh evidence by the respondent, or can remit the matter to the primary judge, having determined that the evidence should be admitted.

4. [4]

   It appears to me, having considered the written submissions, that the effect of the notations is to limit the usual discretion of the Court hearing the appeal to take only one of those courses. It was not my intention, in noting those matters, to limit the Court's discretion, and for those reasons I vacate notations 1 and 2 in the orders I made on 6 June 2016.

5. [5]

   I have raised with the parties the question of whether, given the prospect that the Court may admit the further evidence, not permit the respondent to file further evidence and determine to allow the appeal, it would be appropriate now to adjourn the matter to dates in October and make orders permitting the respondent, if so advised, to file further evidence.

6. [6]

   Mr Blandford, who appears today for the respondent, has submitted that the preferable course would be to take the date of 6 September 2016. That date is available to the parties and the Court. Of course, Mr Blandford and his client, should the evidence be admitted, are free to make whatever submissions are appropriate about what should happen with the matter, whether by way of further evidence, remitter, or some other course.

7. [7]

   In those circumstances, I vacate order 10 made by me on 6 June 2016 and I fix the matter for hearing, with a one-day estimate, before this Court on 6 September 2016.

Orders

1. [8]

   I make the following orders:

   1. (1)

      Vacate notations 1 and 2 in the orders made on 6 June 2016.

   2. (2)

      Vacate order 10 in the orders made on 6 June 2016.

   3. (3)

      Fix the matter for hearing before this Court on 6 September 2016 with a one day estimate.