How to become a JP or Cdec

As a Justice of the Peace (Qualified) (JP) or Commissioner for Declarations (Cdec) you will handle important documents that could have a significant impact on someone’s life. You must be properly trained and qualified to provide professional services in all situations.

Who can become a JP or Cdec

To become a JP or Cdec you must be:

• an Australian citizen
• at least 18 years old
• of good character
• registered on the Queensland electoral roll

You must also have completed the relevant training course: Course in Providing Community Justice Services (Commissioner for Declarations) (Justice of the Peace [Qualified]).

JP and Cdec training

Before you can apply you need to complete the training course.

• 10794NAT Course in Community Justice Services (Justice of the Peace [Qualified])
  • Comprised of 2 units
    • QCJJUD001 Perform non-bench judicial and minor bench duties
    • QCJWIT001 Witness or certify documents
• 10793NAT Course in Community Justice Services (Commissioner for Declarations)
  • Comprised of 1 unit
    • QCJWIT001 Witness or certify documents

Either of these courses will provide you with the knowledge, skills and competencies required to perform your duties.

You must apply to become a JP or Cdec within 2 years of successfully passing your assessment.

Find places that offer the course

My Skills, Australia’s training directory, has a list of accredited training organisations that run this course in Queensland.

To become a JP you need to complete the entire course. To become a Cdec you only need to complete the relevant sections of the course.

The training organisation will provide you with all the materials you need for the course. This may include a copy of the JP handbook or the Cdec handbook.

Who cannot be appointed

You cannot apply or hold office as a JP or Cdec if you:

• have been convicted of
  • a serious offence at any time (i.e. an indictable offence, irrespective of whether it was dealt with in the magistrates, district or supreme court)
  • more than 2 offences of any kind at any time
  • an offence of any kind in the last 5 years
  • an alcohol or drug driving offence in the last 5 years
  • more than 2 traffic offences in the last 4 years (i.e. convictions under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995)
• are an undischarged bankrupt (i.e. not yet free from bankruptcy).

Also, if you have been convicted of more than 6 offences under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 in a 4-year period, you are not qualified to be appointed as a JP or Cdec for 5 years after the date of your last conviction.

Example offences include:

• all types of criminal offences
• drug-related offences
• financial (tax or business-related) offences
• social security offences
• shoplifting

Note that for traffic offences, a person who pays an amount by the way of a penalty for an offence, is taken to have been convicted of the offence on the day the amount is paid.

These restrictions are from the Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations Act 1991.

How to apply

To complete this form you will need:

• your statement of attainment from the relevant JP or Cdec course
• written character references from 2 suitable referees
• proof of Australian citizenship (if you were born overseas).

Once approved, new JPs or Cdecs need to pay a registration fee before they begin their duties.

Fee waiver

If you are facing financial hardship and wish to apply for us to waive this fee, you must apply for this at the same time.

To apply for the fee waiver, fill out the Application for a Fee Waiver.

Submit your application

The assessment process can take approximately 3 months.

Apply to become a JP or Cdec

What happens next

When you submit your online application it will be automatically received by us.

Your application will also be automatically sent to your State Member of Parliament (MP) for nomination of your appointment. Your MP may contact you to arrange an interview before your nomination.

When your MP tells us that they nominate you for appointment, we will assess your application against the relevant sections of the Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations Act 1991 and the Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations Regulation 2017. The assessment process can take approximately 3 months.

If there are any issues with your application, we will let you know. Otherwise, we'll write to let you know if your application is approved.

When your application is approved, you'll need to take an oath or affirmation of office and pay a registration fee before you can begin your duties as a JP or Cdec.

Contact us

If you have trouble completing this form or need more information or help, contact us by:

• emailing jp@justice.qld.gov.au
• phoning 1300 301 147
• visiting our office at Level 6, 154 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane Qld 4101
• posting a letter to The Registrar of Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations, Department of Justice and Attorney-General, PO Box 5894, West End QLD 4101.