A Justice of the Peace, or JP, is a volunteer appointed by the government to witness and certify legal documents, statutory declarations and affidavits.
JPs are trusted citizens who do not provide legal advice and cannot charge for their services, but they help ensure that legal processes are followed correctly.
Yarrawonga JP Jan Parker said there were a number of JPs in Yarrawonga who were regularly called on to help with formal documentation.
“I basically do it any day, anytime, within reason, depending on what I've got on,” Mrs Parker said.
“It might be a weekend or an evening, but I'm always on call, always available.”
JPs are in high demand and Mrs Parker says she would usually witness three or four doucments every week, sometimes in a day.
Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said JPs provided an important free service.
“Compared to New South Wales and Queensland, Victoria has significantly fewer JPs, and the current number simply isn’t keeping pace with population growth,” Ms Broad told Parliament recently.
“This shortfall is placing increasing pressure on the few JPs who are active and making it difficult for residents, particularly in regional areas, to access this important service in a timely way.
“JPs are volunteers who play a vital role in supporting our justice system.”
Ms Broad formally asked the Attorney-General to outline what steps the State Government was taking to recruit, retain and support more JPs.
Jan Parker can help with signing of a statutory declaration, witnessing an affidavit for use in court, certifying true copies of an original document or certifying a person's identity.
She can be contacted on 0427 883 264.
17°C