JPs strike back

By Melissa Grant
Two Cardinia Shire JPs say they are extremely disappointed that Mr Hulls has publicly stated that it is debatable whether there is a need for them in the 21st century.
Wendy Stapleton and Peter Nodin, JPs who volunteer at Narre Warren Police Station, are also 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’ comments were made after the Governor-in-Council revoked Labor heavyweight Hakki Suleyman’s JP position, following a probe from an independent review through an advisory panel.
The panel was asked to examine whether Mr Suleyman was a fit and proper person to hold the office of 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.
A number of the panel’s recommendations will be immediately implemented, 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, who commutes from his Emerald home to Narre Warren Police Station for a couple of shifts each week, said JPs definitely still had a role to play in society.
“A lot of JPs sign national and international documents that can’t be signed by 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.