Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
A Justice of the Peace may witness signatures and perform other duties.
In brief:
- A Justice of the Peace (JP) certifies documents for members of the public.
- Damiano Costa has been a JP for more than 50 years.
- This article shares some of Damiano’s experience as JP and provides more information about finding a JP.
Most Canberrans will seek the services of a JP, or Justice of the Peace, when they need a document certified. But what is actually involved in being a JP?
A JP is authorised to:
- administer oaths and affirmations
- witness statutory declarations and affidavits
- witness signatures
- attest and certify documents.
They’re the people who can certify your passport documents or witness your signature. They might do this in their home, on a weekend or after hours, but they’re not paid for this.
An office of the JP is an honorary role. This means they can’t charge fees or accept payment for their services . Before providing JP services to the ACT community, an individual must:
- complete the required training
- make a successful application to the Attorney-General
- attend a swearing-in ceremony.
Damiano’s story
Damiano Costa has been a JP since 1967. At the time, he was working for the Department of Immigration, who were then responsible for issuing passports.
“Five hundred people were employed in the public service in Immigration at the time and I was the only person speaking Italian,” Damiano said.
For the Italians who migrated to Australia after the war, the services of someone like Damiano were critical.
“Also, when we created the Italian Club in Forrest, people needed documents certified for various reasons, and they also needed interpreting and translation,” he said.
“I decided to become a JP to make it easier for myself, because we were limited to where JPs were available and there were not very many at that time.”
Becoming a Justice of the Peace meant Damiano was able to help other members of the Italian community in Canberra. He recalls people from Cooma and Goulburn coming to Canberra to have documents translated and certified.
Over the years, he has helped many Italians with passport applications, bank loans, and speeding fines. He’s also helped them transfer their Italian pensions to Australia, an important responsibility that has since been transferred to the Italian Embassy.
How JPs work
Part of the responsibility is being available to perform the role at all reasonable times, including after hours and on weekends.
Some JPs perform their duties from their homes, but others meet people in mutually convenient locations. JP services are also available at public locations such as:
* shopping centres
* public libraries
* police stations.
Damiano has made visits to nursing homes to perform duties for older people who are unable to travel to him.
Looking for a JP?
JPs are available at a range of public locations. Often no appointments are necessary, however you may have to wait. You can also search the online JP Register to find a JP near you.
Learn more about what a Justice of the Peace does.
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