JPs object to review

By Melissa Meehan
“SAVE our JPs” … that’s the catch cry from the Dandenong Honorary Justice Group who say they don’t know whether they will still have a job next year.
Each member of the group works as a Justice of the Peace (JP), a volunteer appointed by the Governor in Council who can witness official documents such as statutory declarations and affidavits. There are currently more than 4500 JPs serving in Victoria.
The State Government is currently reviewing the role JPs play in the justice system and has released a consultation paper with a decision on their future pending.
Shadow Attorney-General Robert Clark met with the group in Emerald on Monday.
“People here are very concerned that if JPs are abolished there won’t be people around to witness documents,” Mr Clark said.
“Without JPs police will be tied up signing documents instead of catching criminals.”
Nadia Wildes, from Emerald, is the originator of JPs working in police stations.
“But it took off everywhere but here,” she said.
“There are not enough police in Emerald to have someone there with the JPs throughout the day. But there are JPs at 40 stations across the state.”
The group believes that the review of JPs’ role is due to one mistake made by the Attorney General Rob Hulls.
“One man, who we won’t name, was made a JP when he shouldn’t have been, and now that one decision threatens to ruin it for the rest of the community,” Ms Wildes said.
Mr Clark echoed the sentiment of the group.
“They (the JP’s) do a fantastic job,” he said.
“We are campaigning to make sure that our JPs are not lost forever.
“They are a valuable institution within our community.”
The group, which believes members have a constant threat hanging over their heads until a decision is made, expects to hear whether the positions will continue early next year.
“Instead of abolishing JPs why don’t they just tighten up the rules so not everyone can become a JP,” Ms Wildes said.