Major changes to the law affecting Justices of the Peace were introduced by the Justice of the Peace Act 2002, which came into effect on 8 December 2003.

	Justice of the Peace (JP) appointments will no longer be for life. A set term of 5 years has been introduced. At the end of this term if the JP wishes to continue then an application to renew the commission must be lodged.
	Current JPs should be aware that all existing appointments will expire 3 years from the commencement of the Act, and they should apply for reappointment within this time if they wish to continue. This will also involve re-swearing the Oath of Office.
	Applicants will be required to re-establish either an employment or community based need for their reappointment.

Please Contact Us if you require further assistance or application forms for reappointment.

Registration numbers will now be issued in accordance with the Justice of the Peace Act.

The Attorney General’s Department will issue registration numbers to all existing JPs who re-apply for their commissions and are subsequently re-appointed under the Act.

Existing JPs will not be required to hold a registration number until the 3 year period has elapsed since the Act commenced.

Nomination by a MP is not required for re-appointments. However new applicants will still require nomination by a MP or MLC under this legislation.

A new JP register will also be available for viewing. This will enable any interested party to verify that the person witnessing the document is truly a Justice of the Peace. It is important to check the authenticity of the appointment in view of the time limits that will see a number of JPs not be re-appointed in future years.