Are you interested in becoming a Queensland Justice of the Peace, or a Commissioner for Declarations? It’s a fairly straight forward process, but there are some eligibility requirements.
Firstly – make sure you are eligible. You must be:
- an Australian citizen
- 18 years of age or older
- of good character
- registered on the QLD electoral roll
You cannot:
- have been convicted of a serious (indictable) offence at any time
- have been convicted of more than 2 offences of any kind at any time
- have been convicted of an offence of any kind in the last 5 years
- have been convicted of an alcohol or drug driving offence in the last 5 years
- have been convicted of more than 2 traffic offences in the last 4 years
- be an undischarged bankruptee
- have been convicted of more than 6 offences under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 in a 4 year period, of which the last conviction was less than 5 years ago
If you fit the above, then here are your next steps:
- Decide whether you want to be a Cdec or a JP. A Cdec cannot perform any kind of judicial function, eg issuing search or arrest warrants. A Cdec can witness documents, witness and administer oaths and affirmations, and certify a true copy of an original document. A JP has all of a Cdec’s responsibilities, as well as several judicial duties such as issuing search and arrest warrants, and granting bail.
- Complete your JP or Cdec training with an accredited training organisation, like RAM Training Services.
- Once you receive your statement of attainment, apply online for your registration within 2 years of passing. You will need your SOA, character references from 2 suitable referees, and proof of Australian citizenship (if you were born overseas).
What happens next? Your application will automatically be sent to your State Member of Parliament for nomination of your appointment. Your MP may contact you for an interview prior to nomination. Once they have nominated you, the Department of Justice will then assess your application – this can take up to 3 months. You’ll receive a letter notifying you once it has been approved. You’ll then need to take an oath or affirmation of office, and pay a registration fee of approximately $135.
Maybe you want to give back to your community, or provide JP/Cdec services as a value-add or extra convenience in your workplace – whatever your reasons, its is a rewarding role, one which RAM Training Services can assist you with achieving. Call us today on 1300 328 500 for more information, or take a look at our Community Justice Services courses.
