Tuesday, 13 November 2018

Member for Davidson Jonathan O’Dea today congratulated Mr Noel Brown of Belrose and Mr John Randall of East Killara for 50 years of service to the community as a Justice of the Peace.

“Mr Brown and Mr Randall are two of the longest-serving JPs in the state, donating countless hours to helping local people,” said Mr O’Dea.

Mr Brown and Mr Randall are among more than 250 NSW JPs who are celebrating their golden jubilee of service in 2018. Both JPs attended a NSW Parliament ceremony today where they were presented with commemorative certificates.

“During the 50 years Mr Brown and Mr Randall have witnessed documents, they have also witnessed profound social changes and advances in technology.

“One of many changes is the process of finding a JP, with people now more likely to search online than rely on word of mouth.”

The NSW online register of Justices of the Peace is undergoing improvements to make it faster and more convenient to find a local JP. The revamped system will enable JPs to specify when they are available and what languages they speak.

“For Justices of the Peace, this will mean fewer unwanted calls when they’re busy, while people who urgently need a document witnessed or certified will be able to search the register for someone who can promptly help them,” Mr O’Dea said.

The updated register will start operating in early 2019. The current register limits users to searching for a JP by name, registration number or postcode.

A JP acts as an independent and objective witness to important documents. They witness affidavits and statutory declarations, as well as certify copies of original documents. JPs provide their services on a voluntary basis.

There are over 95,000 JPs covering all corners of the state. To find one in your area, go to www.jp.nsw.gov.au