Call for more JPs as Qld justice services swamped | Top 30 legal witnesses and where to find them

A JP shortage in Queensland is forcing a call for more volunteers. From those with 60 years experience, to favourite faces at shopping centres, here’s where to find our top 30 legal witnesses.

Queensland is in the grip of a JP shortage forcing the state government to issue a call to arms for more volunteers.

A massive increase in demand for the state’s free legal document witnessing service after recent interest rate hikes has prompted the state government to send out a call for more volunteer Justices of the Peace.

Hundreds rushed to refinance mortgages or look for new rental properties after the latest round of rate rises.

For many, their first port of call was not the bank but a Justice of the Peace to witness their legal documents for free.

The rush on the free statewide service highlighted many regions struggling without the free service, which marks its 20th anniversary this month.

However, of more than 84,000 registered JPs and Commissioners for Declarations in Queensland, only a few thousand volunteer their services.

There are 84,106 registered JPs in the state with 3400 volunteers at 225 locations including courthouses, shopping centres, hospitals, libraries and community centres.

In 2022, volunteers in the JPs in the Community Program witnessed more than 1.86 million documents for 624,202 clients, down from a high in 2021 when they witnessed 1.97 million documents for 672,000 clients.

Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman said most people, at some stage in their lives, required a JP to witness a document.

“It’s a wonderful public service they are providing and more than likely, they are based at a shopping centre or a courthouse and all as a result of the JPs in the Community Program that started as a trial two decades ago,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Anyone who has a passport is likely to have called on a JP to sign their photos.

“We would love to see more of our registered JPs and Cdecs volunteer their time, even an hour a week or month, to provide this invaluable community service.”

Westfield Chermside Shopping Centre ran the first service three days a week when it first began in 2003.

Last year, it was one of the most active hubs in the state and its staff worked for 2574 hours.

However, the service at Brisbane Magistrates Court was the busiest in the state in 2022 with volunteers dedicating 4144 hours to witnessing documents.

The second most active site was Robina Town Centre where JPs worked for 3666 hours, followed by Harbour Town Shopping Centre which was manned for 2693 hours.

JP branch registrar and manager Damien Mealey said the success of the program meant

they were always on the lookout for more volunteers as many retired or were unable to continue volunteering.

“With 84,106 registered JPs in the state, we would like to see as many registered JPs and Cdecs as possible, who aren’t in the volunteer program, to join in whatever capacity they can,” Mr Mealey

One of Queensland’s long-serving JPs Richard Marszalek, who has been witnessing documents for 47 years, said it was rewarding helping the local community.

“I get a sense of satisfaction from being a JP, knowing I’ve helped the community,” he said.

Here are Queensland’s top 30 JPs and where you can obtain their services for free.

REDLAND

Justices of the Peace at Victoria Point: clockwise from top left: Coral Moore; Dorothy Lloyd; Helen Ackworth; Susan Law; and Phil Barnes.

Coral Moore has been a JP for two years. “I wanted to ensure people in the community have easy access to a JP.”

Dorothy Lloyd has been a JP for 15 years. “Being a JP is a way of meeting new people and serving the community.”

Helen Ackworth has been a JP for 41 years. “I enjoy helping out people in my local community.”

Susan Law: has been a JP for 27 years. “I fulfil this role to help out in the community.”

Phil Barnes: Has been JP for 17 years. “I like being part of a team.”

All five work at Victoria Point Shopping Centre.

BEENLEIGH

Beenleigh JPs, from left Kirsty Beavington, Val Rooney and Lyn Brady with Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman.

Kirsty Beavington worked at Beenleigh Marketplace after becoming a JP last year.

Val Rooney has been a JP for 43 years at Grand Plaza, Browns Plains.

Lyn Brady has worked at the Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre as a JP for five years.

BRISBANE

Ray Anderson works as a JP at the state's busiest office at Brisbane Magistrates Court and also at the RBWH Hospital.

Ray Anderson: has worked at Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital and at Brisbane Magistrates Court for 45 years and has been a JP in the community program for 15 years.

CAIRNS

Grahame Connett works as a JP in Cairns where there are JPs at Earlville Shopping Centre: from left to right, Brian Hite, Jessie Anne-Cooke and Joan Whyte.

Brian Hite has worked at Earlville Shopping Centre

Jessie-Anne Cooke: Earlville Shopping Centre

Joan Whyte: Earlville Shopping Centre

Grahame Connett: Cairns Courthouse and Cairns Hospital.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast has a team of JPs, clockwise from top left: Paul Findlay; Anthony Clarey; Helen Staines; Len Wilkinson; and Sue Robertson.

Helen Staines: has been a JP for 15 years in the community program working at Burleigh, Stockland: “I enjoy helping people and like to be useful now I am retired.”

Alan Clarey: works at Burleigh, Stockland and has been a JP in the community for a year. “To assist with my business processes and to help out where I can.”

Sue Robertson: who works at Elanora, has been a JP in the community program for 10 years.

Lee Wilkinson: has been a JP on the community program for 16 years at Harbour Town. “It fulfils my personal values helping others and the community in any way I can.”

Paul Findlay: has been a JP at The Pines for 20 years.

REDCLIFFE

Redcliffe's team of volunteers work every day and on weekends … clockwise from top Laurie Wood; Ian Forsyth; Pauline Keylar and Margaret Tomer.

Ian Forsythe has been a JP for 16 years and works at the Redcliffe Courthouse: “I became a JP to help fellow soldiers on exercise and projects.”

Laurie Wood works at the Redcliffe Courthouse where they have been a JP for 16 years. “I was asked by my local MP at the time.”

Margaret Tomov has been a JP for six months working at Peninsula Fair. “To help service the community in a role which requires wisdom and integrity.”

Pauline Keylar has been a JP for 45 years working at Kippa-Ring. “I enjoy being able to help the community.”

STAFFORD

If you need to get a passport or a document witnessed, Stafford JPs Richard Marszalek, left, and Allan Kuskie are on hand at Stafford City.

Allan Kuskie: has always worked with people and has been a JP for 17 years and now works at Stafford City Shopping Centre. “I always worked with people so this has kept me working with people. You have to use your brain you’re not just a mindless rubber stamp.”

Richard Marszalek: has been a JP for 47 years and works at Stafford City Shopping Centre. “I get a sense of satisfaction from being a JP, knowing I’ve helped the community.”

IPSWICH

Ipswich has a team of hard-working JPs; clockwise from top left: Brent Petterson; Jeff Peace; Paul Hogg; Kevin Bianchi; Dave Keating and Warwick Wilson.

Brent Pettersson, from Yamanto Central and Ripley Town Centre, has been a JP for two years

Jeff Peace, from Booval Fair has worked as a JP for 38 years

Warwick Wilson: Several signing sites across Ipswich for 15 years

Dave Keating has worked at Riverlink for 19 years

Paul Hogg spent 25 years of service at Yamanto

Kevin Bianchi has been a JP for 11 years and works at Brassall Shopping Centre. “I love giving back to the community and helping out.”

TOWNSVILLE

Townsville has a team of JPs who are extremely busy and need more volunteers. Clockwise from main photo: Ernie Landy; Ron Casey; Gloria Hines; Arthur Hunt and Geoff Rainford.

Arthur Hunt has been a JP for 60 years and now works at Castletown Shopping Centre. “I became a JP because it was a requirement for me when I turned 21 at the Collinsville Magistrates Court. I love helping people. I love the reaction I get. When they walk away with a smile, that is what I like.”

Ernie Landy:has been a JP for 53 years and now works at Fairfield Shopping Centre. “I enjoyed looking after the community and I wanted to help people. I am a people person and I enjoy talking to people, it helps people relax and I can help them.”

Gloria Hines has been a JP for 20 years and now works at Stockland Townsville. “I’ve worked in legal offices signing conveyancing documents almost all my life. I like helping people and helping them understand legal issues.”

Ron Casey has been a JP for 11 years and now works at Townsville Hospital, Willows Shopping Centre, Upper Ross Community and Stockland Shopping Centre: “I decided to be a JP when I retired to give back to my community. You feel honoured to help people.”

Geoff Rainford has been a JP for 18 years and now works at Townsville Courthouse and Stockland Shopping Centre. “I wanted to give something back to the community when I retired. There is also a social aspect being with other JPs and, of course, it is pleasing to be able to help people.”