Justices of the Peace in Ballarat have returned to work at the Ballarat Police Station and want the community to know they are available to help with documents.
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Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices Ballarat Branch secretary Jackie Warner said the Justice of the Peace office at the police station had closed during COVID-19 lockdowns, but was now back operating.
Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices Ballarat Branch chair Harry Gibcus said he was finding many documents had come into the JP office after being returned because they were signed incorrectly.
He said JPs received specialised training to do their role and were the only people who could sign documents in some cases like affidavits.
"If it has been done by a Justice of the Peace they can be confident it is done correctly by the right person," Mr Gibcus said.
"On Monday I was on duty and there were two documents signed incorrectly by the wrong person. All our JPs have been trained and that training is important."
JPs are community members who volunteer their time and work on a roster at the Ballarat Police Station JP office.
The number of documents that get signed here at the Ballarat Police Station is the highest in rural victoria and about the third or fourth highest in the state.
- Harry Gibcus, Justice of the Peace
Ms Warner said she had been a JP for 17 years and many, once trained, often did the role for life.
She said more JPs were needed in Ballarat and the group was currently lobbying for recruitment and training in the region.
Ms Warner also welcomed JPs in the region, who may not be part of the branch but would like to join the volunteer roster, to get in contact.
"The number of documents that get signed here at the Ballarat Police Station is the highest in rural Victoria and about the third or fourth highest in the state. There is a need," Mr Gibcus said.
Ms Warner said JPs saved police officers hours of time.
"People are coming into the police station anyway because a police officer or JP can only sign some documents, so if we are here we are saving the police a lot of time," she said.
JPs are on duty at the Ballarat Police Station from 11.30am to 2.30pm and 4.30pm and 6pm from Monday to Thursday and Friday 11.30am to 6pm.
Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
