Signing off on more than 19,000 documents

The Warragul based Justice of the Peace service saw JPs witnessing and processing 19,095 documents last year.

The JPs are based at the Warragul Police Station. The service operated on 246 days and collectively the JPs contributed 1722 hours for the benefit of the 7031 people who used the service.

“We are there between 9.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday and have the authority to witness a broad range of official documents, including statutory declarations, affidavits and powers of attorney,” said roster co-ordinator Ian Symons.

Document signing stations were established as a way to provide ready access to a JP, particularly since requirements for proof of identity documents has become the norm for a whole range of purposes.

About 60 per cent of the documents processed at Warragul involved the certification of true copies. Police stations were chosen as venues mainly because they can be easily located by members of the public.

Mr Symons said an advantage of the signing station approach was that participating JPs were able to make sure they stay abreast of changes to legislation and witnessing requirements.

During 2018 the JPs attended a professional development session conducted by the Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) about new legislation relating to Powers of Attorney.

More information about Powers of Attorney can be obtained from the Office of the Public Advocate website, www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au or their Advice Line 1300 309 337.

Early this year, JPs will attend updates relating to new legislation dealing with oaths and affirmations that will take effect from 1st March. A refresher briefing on the expectations of the Federal Court with regards to affidavits and divorce is also on the agenda.

“There are only 16 of us who share the roster, so we are always on the lookout for other JPs who reside in the District who might see their way clear to volunteer to help. Even one session per month helps to spread the load,” he said.

Anyone who might be able to help should call in at the police station and talk with the duty JP about what is involved.