JPs given new tools to better serve Queenslanders

Queensland Justices of the Peace (JPs) and Commissioners for Declarations (Cdecs) have a new set of tools to help them deliver their vital work for Queenslanders.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said the latest hardcopy edition of the JP Handbook, released today (Friday), would ensure witnessing officers across Queensland were delivering consistent witnessing practices.

Published for both JPs and Cdecs, it details the how, what, why and when of witnessing multiple types of documents – from Titles Registry forms, statutory declarations and affidavits through to family law documents, wills and advance health directives.

“The new handbooks are aimed at making sure the more than 86,000 JPs and Cdecs in Queensland have the support they need to develop confidence in their roles, and provide competent and professional services to our community,” Mrs D’Ath said.

Mrs D’Ath said the handbooks had been published, for the first time, as folders with replaceable loose leaf pages – ensuring changes to laws and witnessing processes could easily be updated, eliminating the need for a completely new handbook to be purchased each time amendments were required.

“Since the introduction of the Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations Act 1991, there have been many changes to the JP system,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“The job of updating and modernising the handbooks to reflect these changes is a significant and continual task.

“Written in plain language, clear and to the point, the handbooks were completed after extensive consultation with key government and non-government stakeholders, publishing experts and, importantly, JPs and Cdecs themselves.”

The JP Handbook is available to purchase as a hardcopy or can be downloaded for free from the JP online shop (www.qld.gov.au/jps).

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