General News
1 April, 2025
JPs providing a valuable service
The role of a Justice of the Peace (JP) may not be widely discussed, but it remains an invaluable service for communities, particularly in regional areas.
The role of a Justice of the Peace (JP) may not be widely discussed, but it remains an invaluable service for communities, particularly in regional areas.
JPs serve as independent witnesses for official and legal documents, assisting with attesting the execution of documents, witnessing statutory declarations and affidavits, certifying true copies of original documents, and verifying personal identity.
Without JPs, Victoria Police would have to absorb much of that workload.
“The police would have normally signed nearly all. But some documents you need to be a sergeant or above,” said Elmhurst resident and JP Geoff Penna.
"People think the police are there 24/7. The police are short-staffed. For a while they manned (Elmhurst) three days a week for people to call in. It hasn't been manned for months because they don't have the guys on the ground,” said Geoff.
JPs collectively sign an estimated 2.4 million documents annually, saving the state an estimated $39 million in costs that would otherwise be completed by law enforcement.
The role of JPs has faced challenges before.
“Years ago, the Labor government wanted to do away with the justices altogether. They changed their mind because they knew it was going to cost."
Geoff Penna has been a JP for over two decades and has seen the need for Justices of the Peace rise as many age out of the service.
“I’ve been a JP since 2003 because there was a shortage in Ararat at the time. I knew there was a shortage, it took two years to the day from when I first applied."
Over the years Geoff has seen the number of local JP’s dwindling.
"There was a need, but there is a greater need now."
The shortage has become more severe over time. In 1901, with Victoria’s population at 1.5 million, 3,500 JPs were volunteering their time.
By 2024, 3,500 JPs now try to service a population of seven million and regional areas feel the shortage most.
"There is still a desperate shortage, there are only four JP’s in Ararat,” said Geoff.
The need for Justices of the Peace is much higher than many think.
"When I was (in Ararat) and in business with an open shop front, I signed every day. The most I signed in one day for one person was 120 documents," he said.
"It’s not just that we lack JPs, it’s the availability of people, and understandably."
Due to the voluntary nature of the role, many JP’s have limited time to be able to assist the general public, leading to difficulties finding available members in rural areas.
While some professionals, like accountants and pharmacists, can witness documents, they have the right to charge for their services.
Local JP branches have been pushing for more appointments in regional areas, but the response has been underwhelming.
"The Wimmera branch and other branches have been pestering the government of the day and the Department of Justice to appoint more justices in regional areas. They crow about how many they appointed in the last twelve months in metropolitan areas. They say, ‘Oh no, don’t worry about the country, there’s not the need.’" said Geoff.
Local JPs continue to serve their communities despite the challenges, regularly setting aside time for residents, such as attending the Ararat Neighbourhood House on Wednesdays.
However, the need for more appointments remains critical to ensure the service continues to meet demand.
Local JP’s currently serving are: Geoff Penna in Elmhurst, Bernadine Streeter, Ronald Roberts, Barney Vidovicand Frank Neulist in Ararat, Ronald Jenkinson and Earlene Gellert in Willaura and Malcolm Curnow in Lake Bolac.