Popular Justices of the Peace program suspended
The popular JPs in the Community program will be suspended until further notice from this Saturday (March 21) in the best interests of the volunteers involved, and the community at large.
Director-General of the Department of Justice and Attorney-General, David Mackie, today issued the directive to temporarily close the centres at community venues.
Mr Mackie encouraged members of the public who intended visiting a signing site between now and Saturday to contact their local centre to check that a volunteer would be on duty.
Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations have been providing free signing services at easily-accessible community venues such as major shopping centres and libraries around the State since the early 2000s.
“A significant proportion of our JPs and Cdecs that volunteer at these Community sites are over 60 years of age. While they provide such a great service to the community at no cost, I consider this to be the right decision in the interest of their health and wellbeing” Mr Mackie said.
“Given the health strategies being applied around the country in the face of COVID-19, I felt it prudent to suspend the JPs in the Community program.
“The health and well-being our all our staff, both employees and volunteers, is paramount.”
People requiring JPs and Cdecs to witness legal documents can still approach them individually.
For more information about accessing JPs and Cdecs services, visit www.qld.gov.au/jps or phone 1300 301 147.
ENDS