The Department of Justice and Community Safety has called for members of the community wishing to take the first step towards becoming a justice of the peace (JP) to come to an information session.
Hosting a run of sessions at the end of this month and in next for interested people, the Department said the JPs provide document witnessing and certification services to the community both during and outside business hours.
“Justices of the peace and bail justices are collectively called Honorary Justice volunteers,” the Department said.
“Bail justices primarily work outside business hours and on weekends to conduct hearings in relation to applications for bail or remand,” it said.
“These hearings are conducted in person and virtually.”
It said the Honorary Justice Services Support area was responsible for appointing and managing Honorary Justice volunteers.
The Department said ongoing recruitment updates for JPs and bail justices would be available on its website.
“Applicants must successfully complete and meet the criteria for each stage of the appointment process,” it said.
It set out the process as:
* Attending a recruitment information session;
* Lodging an ‘Application for Appointment’ and a ‘Consent to Check and Release National Police Record’ form;
* Passing relevant probity checks and assessment;
* Completing applicant interviews;
* Satisfactorily completing the prescribed course of training;
* Recommendation of the applicant’s suitability for appointment to the Attorney-General; and
* Appointment by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Attorney-General.
“Successful honorary justice applicants commit to the ongoing delivery of vital justice services to the Victorian community,” the Department said.
“This includes making themselves available to the public and stakeholders on a regular basis and demonstrating commitment to the role requirements.”
It invited interested people to attend one of four information sessions in the next few weeks at Thursday 29 June, 1pm to 2pm; Thursday 6 July, 6pm to 7pm; Tuesday 11 July 6pm to 7pm; and Thursday 13 July 6pm to 7pm.
“Read the justice of the peace and bail justice position descriptions for more information,” it said.
