JPs at Narre Warren police station are extremely disappointed that Mr Hulls has questioned the need for them in the 21st century
By Melissa Grant
RECENT post-Brimbank comments by Attorney-General Rob Hulls questioning the role of Justices of the Peace have sparked outrage among JPs at Narre Warren police station.
They say they are extremely disappointed that Mr Hulls has questioned the need for them in the 21st century.
Wendy Stapleton and Peter Nodin are among those outraged at discussion of an age limit being placed on JPs, saying it would see their numbers dwindle dramatically.
“The comments are quite offensive,” Ms Stapleton said.
“I’m not sure that Rob Hulls understands the time and contributions some of us JPs do make.” Mr Hulls made his comment after the Governor-in-Council revoked Labor heavyweight Hakki Suleyman’s JP position following a probe by an advisory panel. The panel was asked to examine whether Mr Suleyman was a fit and proper person to hold office as a JP after an Ombudsman’s report named him in a corruption investigation into Brimbank City Council. It was also asked to review the appointment and processes of JPs.
Several of the panel’s recommendations will be implemented immediately, including the need for prospective JPs to sign a statutory declaration and modifying application forms to capture details of current and former names to allow a comprehensive police record check.
Mr Hulls has asked the Department of Justice to prepare a report on the future need and role of JPs.
“The office of Justice of the Peace dates back to medieval times, but reforms over the years have progressively removed their powers to their current function of witnessing declarations and affidavits – a function also provided by other professions under the Evidence Act,” Mr Hulls said.
“It is open to debate whether there is still a need for Justices of the Peace in the 21st century.
“The panel also questioned whether a cap should be put on the numbers of Justices of the Peace, and whether there should be a legislated age limit.”
Mr Nodin said JPs still had a role to play in society.
“A lot of JPs sign national and international documents that can’t be signed as anyone else,” he said.
Ms Stapleton, a JP for 11 years, was particularly concerned about any age limit being put in place, saying about three-quarters of the 26 JPs rostered on at Narre Warren police station were over 70.
She said JPs saved taxpayers a lot of money, with those at Narre Warren police station working 1000 hours and signing about 18,000 documents each year.
“Other professionals can do some of the work we do, but can also charge for their time,” Ms Stapleton said.
