Sat,18th, July 2026: Dean Beck, JP & RVAHJ President + Rodney Lavin, JP; Victoria’s JP Crisis.

Justices of the Peace quietly perform thousands of essential services every year, yet many Victorians struggle
to find one when they need one. Despite a recent recruitment campaign, Victoria has just over 3,700 JPs—far
fewer than New South Wales. So why is there such a shortage, and what can be done about it? Rodney Lavin
and Dean Beck from the Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices join us to discuss.

Justices of the Peace are volunteer statutory office holders appointed by the Governor in Council. They
perform a range of important community functions, including witnessing statutory declarations and affidavits,
certifying copies of original documents and administering oaths and affirmations.
Although many professionals—including lawyers, pharmacists, doctors, accountants and some public
servants—are authorised to witness certain documents, JPs remain an important free, accessible service,
particularly for people who cannot easily access legal services or who require assistance outside normal
business settings.

Victoria currently has around 3,700 JPs, after a recruitment drive in 2024 saw 800 new JPs appointed.
However, this is understood to be significantly fewer than in New South Wales and Queensland.
A petition to Parliament called on the Government to recruit 5,000 additional JPs by 2027, with 500 new
appointments annually thereafter. The Government responded that future recruitment would continue to be
based on demonstrated demand and ongoing monitoring.

There are currently 129 Document Signing Stations across Victoria located in libraries, police stations and
community centres where volunteer JPs provide free services. The Pride Centre is one of them.
The discussion provides an opportunity to examine whether current arrangements adequately serve a growing
population, particularly people in regional areas, culturally diverse communities, older Victorians and those
who rely on free community services.

 

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