Vol 10 no 2 winter 13

VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 2 • WINTER 2013

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, COMPANY INFORMATION

3

PRESIDENT’S REPORT, NEWS IN BRIEF

6

WORKSHOPS AND REFRESHERS

STOP PRESS - Message from the Attorney-General All honorary Justices in Queensland have by now, or soon will, received a letter from the AttorneyGeneral Jarrod Bleijie MP regarding some new initiatives being progressively implemented, namely:•The re-establishment of the JP Advisory Council; (this has already occurred and QJA Vice-President Bob Pilkington is the QJA representative on the Council – Editor)

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STATE CONFERENCE

•Expansion of the JPs in the Community Program; (this is a welcome expansion of an already successful community initiative and one the QJA has always supported – Editor)

9

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REGISTRATION FORM

•Introduction of a formal mentoring program: (the QJA has for many years offered mentoring to new JPs at signing facilities and through local QJA Branches and welcomes this formalisation of the process – Editor)

10 ROLL OF HONOUR 11 REGISTRARS AWARD 12 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

•Introduction of compulsory training prior to appointment for all categories; (for over 30 years the QJA has offered training courses for all levels of JP, and since 2010 has been providing formal accredited training for new JP(Qual) and C.Decs, and the recognition of the importance of the C.Dec role by making training compulsory is welcomed – Editor)

•Removing the JP(C.Dec) category; (for clarification this refers to those JPs who in 1991 chose not to upgrade to C.Dec or JP(Qual) category. If you do not have a Seal of Office nor a Registration Number then you may fall into this category. C.Decs with a Registration number and Seal of Office are not affected. JP Branch provide a simple process to upgrade to a C.Dec – details are available on their website. The QJA will also be offering upgrade training courses for those wishing to move to either the C.Dec or JP(Qual) categories – Editor) •A review of the Code of Conduct. (It is the QJA’s understanding that this has been completed and will be published shortly – Editor) The Board of the QJA has been in consultation with the Attorney-General and JP Branch for over eighteen months on some of the above initiatives and welcomes and endorses their implementation. We look forward to working closely with the JP Advisory Council, JP Branch and the Attorney-General during the development and implementation process. If you have any questions regarding any of these initiatives please contact our State Office and check out our Website, Facebook and Twitter accounts for current updates.

STATE CONFERENCE - BUNDABERG 2013

13 Q & A 14 REGIONAL ROUNDUP 16 REGIONAL CONTACTS Helpful Phone Numbers

INSERT 1-2 BOARD NOMINATION FORM 3-4 MERCHANDISE FORM

The QJA State Conference for 2013 will be hosted

by Bundaberg Branch on October 19. The theme for this year is “From the Bush to the Beach”.

Planning is progressing well with a variety of speakers who will be of interest to JPs from a rural background as well as our urban cousins.

The auditorium of the Bundaberg College of TAFE has been booked for the conference so there will be a comfortable room with plenty of seating for the event, with ample parking in the immediate grounds.

The conference should be a great time. Stay a couple of days after the event and see the Hinkler Memorial, Bundy Brewed Drinks Barrel, Bundy Rum Experience and the wonderful beaches at nearby Bargara (Burnett Heads to Elliott Heads).

After the flooding earlier this year, Bundaberg is back in business!

Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918

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VICE PRESIDENTS MU BoE PLlNLnJWon JP (QXDl) IPPeGLDWe PDVW PUeVLGenW

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MU RD\PonG <oXnJ OAM JP (QXDl) Telephone (07) 4927 4155 MoELle 0405 624 648 UD\ \oXnJ#TMD FoP DX EPDLl

DIRECTORS Mr John Gordon JP (Qual) MoELle 0415 589 047 EPaLl Mohn Jordon#TMa FoP au

Mr David Read JP (Qual) Telephone (07) 4152 3318 (AH) MoEile 0405 252 135 EPail dave read#TMa FoP au

Mr Keith Revell JP (Qual) Telephone (07) 3803 4337 MoEile 0411 134 841 EPail Neith revell#TMa FoP au

Mr John Carpendale JP(Qual) Telephone (07) 3353 2927 MoEile 0419 683 325 EPail Mohn Farpendale#TMa FoP au

Mr Doug Hull JP (Qual) Telephone (07) 4128 0294 EPaLl doug hull#TMa FoP au

Mr Christopher Porter JP(Qual) MoEile 0419 148 189 EPail Fhris porter#TMa FoP au

QUEENSLAND JUSTICES ASSOCIATION - ACN 009 666 559 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ISSN 1839-2784 TKH QXHHQVODQG JXVWLFHV AVVRFLDWLRQ QJA LV D QRW-IRU-SUR¿W SXEOLF FRPSDQ\ OLPLWHG E\ JXDUDQWHH RSHUDWLQJ XQGHU WKH CRUSRUDWLRQV AFW 2001 DQG LV JRYHUQHG E\ D %RDUG RI DLUHFWRUV 5HJLVWHUHG OI¿FH 3RVWDO AGGUHVV OI¿FH +RXUV CRQWDFW EPDLO :HEVLWH Registrar

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The QJA Journal is compiled by an Editorial Board on behalf of the QJA.

|

Editor Mr Keith Revell

The views expressed in articles & advertisements published in the QJA Journal are not necessarily the views of the Queensland Justices Association or the Board of Directors.© Queensland Justices Association claims copyright to all material published in this Journal. No material may be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the QJA. All enquiries should be addressed to The Editor at editor@qja.com.au Printed by Zink Print. PO Box 236, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone 0437 777 079 or visit us at www.zinkprint.com.au.

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Serving Queenslandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Honorary Justices since 1918

VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 2 • WINTER 2013

President’s Report Dear Colleagues Welcome to all our new Members since the last Journal. In addition to all the new students, we are excited at the number of existing JPs and C.Decs joining QJA, especially from Mareeba and Bowen. We would like to particularly acknowledge the wonderful work director Chris Porter has done to promote and support Justices in Far North Queensland.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Linda Evans to the role of Training Co-ordinator. She commenced this position at the beginning of May and has hit the ground running with supporting our trainers, students and training courses, particularly in the regional and remote cities. We thank the local MPs and councils for their support. Linda may be contacted at the office on telephone (07) 3392 2455 or by email training@qja.com.au. Welcome to the team, Mrs Evans!

Training for C.Decs and JP (Quals) continues to grow with courses being offered at our Woolloongabba State Office each month on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Further courses are scheduled for Bundaberg, Caboolture, Cairns, Gladstone, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Mackay, Maroochydore, Noosa, Rockhampton and Toowoomba.

Courses are also being scheduled for Capella, Moranbah and other centres as requested.

In April I conducted a Training Moderation program for the QJA Trainers and Assessors. Twenty QJA members attended the one day session which gave trainers and assessors an insight into areas which were being identified as problematic by the assessors. The appointment of Mrs Evans will allow us to further professionalise and refine our processes in relation to training, particularly in the areas in our workbooks, PowerPoint presentations and online tools.

The QJA is continually upgrading its training materials and will shortly have a suitable PowerPoint presentation together which all trainers will be required to deliver when training. As with the trainers, the moderation session was designed to ensure that all our assessors were on the same wavelength when marking the student assessment books.

Our Rockhampton and Logan branches have trialled innovative workshop-style refresher seminars for member professional development, with Rockhampton combining new students with

existing JPs and C.Decs. Congratulations to the Rockhampton and Logan branches.

I have been asked to attend the Caboolture Branch workshop on 10 August. For those of you in the Caboolture, Pine Rivers and Redcliffe areas, this would be a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow likeminded Justices and receive informative talks about the upcoming developments.

QJA has been informed the appointment of JPs to QCAT in a sixmonth trial is imminent and those appointed will be announced in the Government Gazette. We congratulate members who have been appointed and look forward to the outcome of the trial.

We are also excited about a number of new developments that QJA has in the pipeline, including the development of a tablet and smartphone “app”, a new Corporate Member package for business/ NGOs/Government Departments/local councils who have a large number of JPs and C.Decs who hold their office for their place of work, primarily. We will have more information shortly.

QJA participated in Law Week celebrations in May, including the Walk for Justice with the Patron the Hon Paul de Jersey and attending the new Law Courts to promote QJA membership and training. We hope to further our involvement next year. See our Facebook profile for photographs with the Patron, Attorney-General advisor Nathan Ruhle and Brisbane Central MP Robert Cavallucci.

Lastly, this year marks the first year of elections to the Board under the new Constitution. As I retire as President of QJA at the November AGM, I look forward to the successive President and Board of Directors to continue the reforms to advance the vision, mission and values of QJA. We encourage Members with energy, enthusiasm and skills to nominate.

Ray Burrows - President

News in Brief Membership Fee Renewal Membership by honorary Justices of professional bodies is crucial, now more than ever as changes foreshadowed by the AttorneyGeneral that will ultimately affect every JP and C.Dec in Queensland are gradually rolled out.

Membership fees remain the same as last year and are due on July 1, 2013 and are: Regular Member Concession Joint

$55.00 $41.80 $67.00

A renewal invoice has been included with this Journal.

The top half of the form is your tax invoice and receipt. You should write your receipt number on the invoice if you used one of the electronic methods. If you require a separate receipt, please post a stamped self-addressed envelope to PO Box 8419, Woolloongabba, Qld, 4102 and request same.

The payment options available are listed on the invoice.

Please note that we do not charge any fees for using a credit card.

Personal cheques are also accepted, but it is easier for the staff at State Office if you pay using one of the electronic methods.

Please note that if paying by credit card, you should use either the 1300 phone number or the secure internet site. Sending us a credit card number by fax or post poses an unnecessary security risk for you, the cardholder.

Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918

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News in Brief Board Elections this Year

State Conference

Pursuant to Rule 54 of the QJA Constitution the Board of Directors must stand down and all positions on the Board declared vacant at this year’s Annual General Meeting.

The QJA State Conference for 2013 will be hosted by Bundaberg Branch on October 19. The theme for this year is “From the Bush to the Beach”. Heritage Bank has come on board as the major sponsor, supported by several local businesses so a good time is assured.

The Returning Officer for elections will be our honorary lawyer John Payne of Hall Payne Lawyers.

In accordance with Rule 54(e) only financial Ordinary, Life, Life Subscription, and Corporate Representative Members of the QJA are eligible to be candidates, to nominate candidates, and to vote in the Board elections.

This year the election will be slightly different in that the positions on the Board are: 1 x President, 1 x Senior Vice-President and 8 x Board Members. At the first meeting of the new Board 2 x Vice-Presidents will be elected by the Board from among the Board Members.

A Nomination form for positions on the Board is in this issue of the Journal, or from State Office upon request. Read the Nomination Form and attached notes carefully to ensure correctly completed forms are submitted. Failure to comply with the rules may mean a Nomination Form is declared ineligible.

Nomination forms can be posted or emailed and must be returned to the Returning Officer at the address on the Nomination Form by close of business (5pm) on Friday 16th August 2013.

There is a considerable amount of responsibility involved with a board position, as successful candidates are registered as Company Directors with ASIC. Expectations of the job include attendance at monthly board meetings (by teleconference if from regional Queensland), attendance at major QJA events (including the State Conference and a selection of refresher days) as well as branch mentoring and sub-committee work. Whilst the position is not a paid one, reasonable expenses are paid to cover the costs of performing these duties.

The QJA Constitution does not specify qualifications or requirements of potential directors, however any or all of the following may be advantageous qualities of a potential director: • • • • • • • •

Extensive practical experience as a JP. Active QJA branch membership.

A legal, training, business, information technology, marketing, fundraising, or management background.

A commitment to the aims and values of the QJA. An understanding of a director’s role in corporate governance, financial management and strategic planning.

Access to email and the ability to check it daily.

Good people skills to liaise with new and existing members.

Familiar with the QJA Constitution relating to the role and duties of the Board.

The resumes of all candidates, the rules of voting, a ballot paper, and an envelope in which to return your ballot paper, will appear in the Spring (September) Journal.

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Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918

Planning is progressing well with a variety of speakers who will be of interest to JPs from a rural background as well as our urban cousins.

The auditorium of the Bundaberg College of TAFE has been booked for the conference so there will be a comfortable room with plenty of seating for the event, with ample parking in the immediate grounds.

With the legendary QCWA ladies catering for the event you can be sure there will be great food to keep the inner man happy. Sponsorship has also been arranged with a local trawler man; prawns will also be on the lunchtime menu.

We have had confirmation from most of our speakers, they include the minister of police Mr Jack Dempsey for those that don’t know Jack he was a police officer in Bundaberg for many years before he became a politician so he can give us all both sides of the coin. The current chairman of the real-estate institute of Queensland, RSPCA inspector, the chief stock inspector from the DPI, QPS Stock Squad just to name a few.

We have an action packed day lined up for everybody with loads of information not yet seen at any other conference.

A post-conference dinner has been organised. This will be a great opportunity to meet with fellow JPs and the members of the Board of Directors in a relaxed atmosphere. The menu will be a buffet BBQ steak, rissoles, sausages, seafood, and a variety of salads. Oh, yes – there will be dessert, pavlova and cheesecake. ‘Director Dave Read thinks he will put on weight just by entering the door.’

Member accommodation deals have been arranged at three motels near the CBD in Bundaberg and close to the conference venue.

These motels were not impacted by the floods.

The conference should be a great time. Stay a couple of days after the event and see the Hinkler Memorial, Bundy Brewed Drinks Barrel, Bundy Rum Experience and the wonderful beaches at nearby Bargara (Burnett Heads to Elliott Heads).

VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 2 • WINTER 2013

News in Brief Courting Change The Federal Magistrates Court has been renamed the Federal Circuit Court of Australia and federal magistrates renamed judges. At the announcement the Federal Attorney-General said the new name for the court better reflected its modern role in the federal judicial system and its accessibility by all court users. The Federal Magistrates Court was established by the former Coalition Government in 1999 to ease the Federal Courts’ and Family Court’s workload.

New Log Book launched We have added a new log book type to the Merchandise List. We found that many of our JPs who volunteer on a regular basis do not find the current log book adequate. The new ones will have more pages and more space for details. It is explained within the book how to use it!

We will still retain the current log book for casual users.

Welcome Linda Evans Hello I’m Linda Evans recently appointed to the position of Training Co-ordinator at QJA State Office. I bring to the position over 20 years of training experience in a number of different fields, such as First Aid, workers compensation and workplace health and Safety. Two of the organisations I trained with were like the QJA, “not for profit”.

I grew up in Victoria and relocated to Townsville, seven years ago with my husband and two children.

I gained my JP qualifications in Townsville. Post qualifying I extended my experience by volunteering at two shopping centres and Townsville Courthouse. I was also active in the local QJA branch.

In October last year and again in February this year I commenced training of JPs and C.Decs.

Recently we relocated to Brisbane from Townsville.

Updates to JP Branch website Some new web pages more suited to smaller mobile devices are now available on the Justice Department website and makes finding a Justice of the Peace (JP) or Commissioner for Declarations (C.Dec) easier using your smartphone.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said the new site would give the community easier access to local JPs and help keep the 91,000 JPs updated with important information about their role.

“People are increasingly using smart phones and tablet computers to find information, and to access services when they are on the move,” Mr Bleijie said.

“The new JPs mobile website will help people find a JP wherever they are, using the latest in hand-held technology.

“The application integrates an online database of JPs with Google Maps technology to connect people with their nearest JP, or a “JPs in the Community” signing site, when they need one”.

The new web pages are accessible from www.justice.qld.gov.au/jpapp

Social Media QJA is becoming more active on social media, with opening a profile on LinkedIn, since our last Journal. LinkedIn is a social media platform for professionals, which is basically an interactive CV and business card and allows you to see other people’s work history and skills. It also allows Companies to create a Page to promote their products and services. It contains groups and forums to discuss work issues with fellow workers and promote your products to professionals. Follow the QJA Company profile to keep updated.

There is also an independent group for JPs and C.Decs on LinkedIn, with around 100 members.

QCAT Update The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (Justices of the Peace) Amendment Bill 2013 passed the Queensland Parliament on Tuesday evening, 30 April 2013, with the Attorney-General tweeting live as the debate was happening and with QJA retweeting his tweets onto our Twitter and Facebook pages.

During the debate when various Members rose to support the new QCAT JP bill our very own Director Keith Revell received a special mention by the Member for Logan, for serving 25 years as a JP. QJA released a media statement two days later, outlining our position on the new Bill. A number of media outlets had contacted our branches, who referred inquiries to the President Ray Burrows.

Please direct any further inquiries to Ray Burrows and to our website, where our Media Release is located in the News & Events section.

We also placed it on our LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook pages.

The names of the appointed JPs have been published in the Queensland Government Gazette No. 20-23 for 31 May 2013, Volume 363. The QCAT trial commenced on Monday, 3 June 2013 with the first hearings covered by several media outlets We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our JPs who were appointed. We will publish your names in the Journal, as this is an historic and momentous occasion for JPs. We will work with QCAT and the JP Branch to support JPs as best we can, who are participating in this trial and beyond.

Adjudicating between two conflicting parties is quite a new role for JPs, even though we have long been a check-and-balance on an individual basis, using our judicial discretion.

Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918

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Brisbane North Refresher By: John Carpendale – Director On Saturday 16 March 2013 at the Craigslea State High School Auditorium, the Brisbane North Branch hosted a Refresher Workshop which more than 100 JPs and C.Decs attended.

Official guests included two Ministers of State Parliament (Hon Tracy Davis MP, Minister for Communities, Child Safety & Disability Services and Hon Jarrod Bleijie MP, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice) and two Brisbane City Council councillors (Marchant

Karalise Goodwin from the Office of Land Titles, Department of Natural Resources and Mines spoke about the correct processing of Land Title documents.

James Farrell, Director of QAILS (Queensland Association of Independent Legal Services) explained the role of his organisation and the associated community legal services in the justice administration system.

Acting Senior Constable Megan Dwyer, North Brisbane District Crime Prevention Co-ordinator captivated the audience in addressing personal safety issues.

Ward’s Cr Fiona King and McDowall Ward’s Cr Norm Wyndham).

Above greeting Minister Davis (left) and the Attorney-General (centre) on arrival are QJA Vice-President Marian Vierveyzer, Brisbane North Chairman David Harris and QJA Directors Keith Revell and John Carpendale.

The program commenced with an official welcome from Cr Fiona King and was followed by the Keynote Address from the Attorney-General who outlined the Government’s vision for Justices of the Peace in Queensland.

After explaining current and proposed initiatives to incorporate JPs into bench roles with the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT), to introduce a periodic renewal process and to improve the ongoing professional development of honorary justices, the Attorney-General then interacted with attendees by taking questions from the floor.

With the Attorney-General having set the scene, subsequent presenters guided the audience through their particular areas of expertise:

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Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918

Dimitri Glianos, Deputy Registrar, JP Branch, Department of Justice and Attorney General outlined the responsibilities of justices and the role of the JP Branch.

Karen Rush and Gina Do from the Office of the Adult Guardian explained the role of their organisation and the issues for JPs to consider when undertaking “capacity” assessments.

Keith Revell, QJA Director and Secretary of Logan Branch steered the audience through the correct processing of some less familiar documents.

Finally, a panel comprising Dimitri and Keith answered assorted questions from attendees.

Feedback from attendees indicated the workshop was regarded as both valuable and successful. Thanks to the Workshop Committee and Brisbane North Branch volunteers (below) for organising this event.

VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 2 • WINTER 2013

Rockhampton Refresher

Logan Refresher

By: Raymond Young OAM – Vice President

By: Keith Revell – Director

The Rockhampton Branch conducted its first Seminar & Refresher Workshop for 2013 on 13 April. Our local member Mr Bruce Young MP met everyone individually, but had to leave early to attend another function.

This year the Logan Branch changed the format of their annual workshop to be more hands-on.

On behalf of President Ray Burrows, and fellow Directors, I welcomed everyone and thanked those present for attending to learn the correct way to sign various document, and get the up-to-date information and legislation. We had members, who came from Mt Larcom, Monto, Nagoorin, Rubyvale, The Capricorn Coast, and Rockhampton, We had thirty JP (Qual) & C.Decs and we included for the first time as an experiment seven new students who were doing the April QJA Training Course at the same time.

Our first guest speaker was Jody Hollett from the Public Trustee, who spoke on wills, EPA and AHD: many questions were asked.

Over 50 delegates attended a half day workshop on May 25th and benefited from presentations by Tania Shipp, Team Coordinator, Titles Registry, Department Natural Resources and Mines on the latest Lands Title requirements, and Sgt Leigh McGuiness of the Crime Operations Team at Logan Central Police Station who covered Search Warrants and Objections to Bail.

This year the workshop was more hands on with practical activities handed out to the delegates to work through. With a number of Land Title and Police Search Warrant scenarios to explore this proved a very informative learning experience.

Following the presentation by the guest speaker, the delegates were paired up with one as the “Customer” or “Police Officer” and one as the “JP” with sample forms. The “JP” was then encouraged to follow their normal actions to process the forms.

The delegates were encouraged to utilise their copies of the JAG handbook and the Guide to JP Practice as reference material as they worked through the scenarios and processed the documents.

It was pleasing to see the high number of delegates referring to the electronic copies of the Guide to JP Practice on their smartphones and tablets.

Facilitators circulated through the room assisting by answering questions and guiding those who were struggling. By the end of the day everyone had an opportunity to test their knowledge and skills with a variety of forms.

Feedback has been very positive and the Branch Committee has been asked to host a similar format

Caboolture Refresher Our next guest speaker was Bruce Robertson, from the Titles Registration office. We had the privilege of having the up-to-date power point presentation which was released this week by JAG on Thursday, and this new program is being used in Townsville and Nambour next week.

QJA’s Caboolture branch will be hosting a refresher seminar on administrative subjects suitable for both JP (Qual) and C.Dec.

Various scenarios were presented by Cavill Heywood JP (Qual) an ex-police officer. Members were divided into small groups of three or four, and the members had to find the particular page and give an answer; this segment was very popular, members asked could we have more session like this.

Time: 8:45am to 4:00pm

It allowed the members to have practical experience on how to use their JAG manual and The Guide to JP Practice in Queensland.

This gave each group the opportunity to be involved more, having large groups, some members just sit back and let the others do all the work. They had to find the question, and gave their answer listing what they had to do before they sign that particular document.

Date: Saturday, 10th August 2013

Venue: Morayfield East State School at the corner of Graham Road and Glenwood Drive Cost: $20 for Members, $25 for Non-Members You can register and pay through the QJA Shop on the website, by using a Registration form available on the website in the News and Events area, or by contacting State Office.

For more information on the workshop contact the Caboolture Branch Secretary –contact details are on the back page of this Journal.

Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918

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State Conference Registration Form

Queensland Justices Association

REGISTRATION- STATE CONFERENCE 2013, BUNDABERG Saturday 19th October 2013 – 9:00am to 4:00pm TAFE College, cnr Walker & Faldt Sts, Bundaberg Cost: $25.00 members (incl GST), $33.00 non-members – includes lunch, morning & afternoon teas.

Name: (This will appear on name tag): Dr/Mr/Mrs/Ms Address: E-Mail:

....................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................................................

Contact Phone:

........................................................... QJA Member No: ..................................................................

Special Dietary Requirements: ...............................................................................................................................

Optional – Conference Dinner, Saturday evening (informal) [BBQ buffet dinner + dessert - Members own cost $ 30] [ ] YES I will attend [ ] YES I will attend with a person who did not attend the conference. No. Of extra people: ......................... [ ] NO I will not be attending.

Note: Payment for dinner to be included with registration

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATIONS – THURSDAY 3RD OCTOBER 2013 PAYMENT INFORMATION [ ] Registration payment

$...............

[ ] Dinner + extra people

$...............

Payment made by: [ ] Cheque [ ] Visa / Mastercard (please circle one); details below Card No: ............/............/............/............

Expiry Date: ...................................

Cardholder’s Name: ...................................................................................

Signature: .................................................... [ ] Direct Bank Transfer:

Date: ..............................................

Pay to: Heritage Bank BSB: 638-070 Account Number: 12808318 S21

Account Name: Qld Justices Association [Please include your name as reference in ‘Description’] Registration form to be sent: MAIL to Registrar, QJA, PO Box 8419, WOOLLOONGABBA, QLD 4102 OR E-mail to: admin@qja.com.au OR Fax to: (07) 3392 2955 Special Discounts for Delegate Accommodation (see www.qja.com.au) for more information.

NOTE: All receipts/tax invoices will be available at the conference. If a tax invoice is required prior to the conference, please include a stamped self-addressed envelope.

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Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918

VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 2 • WINTER 2013

Corporate Governance The QJA is a public company and as such is governed by the Corporations Act 2001 which defines the management and operation of Australian companies.

Directors of the QJA have certain responsibilities and duties which are contained in the Corporations Act. For example directors are obliged to monitor and keep books of accounts and financial records that truly reflect the financial state of the company’s affairs, and to ensure that such information is furnished to ASIC annually. At every annual general meeting for public companies, directors must present these records to the meeting and ensure that they incorporate profit and loss accounts, a balance sheet, an auditor’s report and a directors’ report. Companies will be deregistered and/or penalised (along with their officers) if they fail to lodge their annual statement with ASIC. The Constitution of the QJA is a legal document setting forth rules governing the operation of the company. The Constitution of the QJA can, subject to the Act, be amended, repealed or added to by a Special Resolution carried at a general meeting but only with the approval of the shareholders (in our case, you the Members).

This diagram shows where the various governance documents fit in the hierarchy.

•

the administration, management and conduct of Branches and Contact Groups.

The QJA Constitution as approved in November 2012 included Schedule 1 - Model Rules, these are considered By-Laws in accordance with Rule 86.

The new Corporate Membership as approved at the 2012 AGM required a Regulation to define the levels of Membership.

To implement the Rules contained in the Constitution and its various Regulations, Standards, By-Laws and Codes of Conduct, and to ensure compliance with the Corporations Act, the QJA has established a number of Policies and Procedures. Policies and procedures are designed to influence and determine all major decisions and actions, and all activities take place within the boundaries set by them.

A Policy is a principle or rule to guide decisions and achieve rational outcomes. It is a statement of intent, and is implemented as a procedure or protocol.

Procedures are the specific methods employed to express policies in action in day-to-day operations of the organization. Procedures are designed to describe Who, What, Where, When, and Why by means of establishing corporate accountability in support of the implementation of the Policies Together, policies and procedures ensure that a point of view held by the governing body of an organization is translated into steps that result in an outcome compatible with that view.

Where does the Strategic Plan Fit?

Rule 86 of the Constitution enables the Board to establish various Regulations, By-Laws, Standards or Codes of Conduct as required from time to time which may deal with items such as: •

the admission and/or disqualification or termination of members;

•

any fees and levies payable by members;

•

conditions of membership;

•

availability of services or facilities of the QJA and/or access to them by members;

•

the rights attaching to membership not otherwise provided by this Constitution;

•

the conditions for the use or licence of any trade or other mark or property of the QJA;

•

qualifications required for membership not otherwise provided by this Constitution;

•

requirements for training and the conduct of training;

•

reimbursement of travel and other expenses incurred by members and Officers in discharging the functions and obligations of this Constitution; and/or

In parallel to the Rules that govern the company, the Board has also developed a Strategic Plan which provides the company’s Mission –defining why the organisation exists, the Vision - which defines what the organisation wants to achieve in the long term in a perfect world, and a series of Goals – which establish outcomes that are to be achieved.

This then forms the Business Plan for the company. Which is a formal statement of a set of business goals, the reasons they are believed attainable, and the plan for reaching those goals. It also contains background information about the organization.

Following the Business Plan and ensuring compliance with all the Rules is a challenge, but one which the Directors of the QJA agree is important for the future stability and growth of the company.

Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918

9

Roll of Honour Members should note that the Roll of Honour recognises the length of Membership of the QJA. Members wishing to receive the official distinguished service certificate as a Justice of the Peace for the State of Queensland should contact their local State Member of Parliament.

The Association wishes to acknowledge the long service given by the following Members.

Platinum - 60 Years QJA Membership Allan Tronson

Gold - 50 Years QJA Membership Mervyn Bond

Bernard Dokter

William Miller

Deirdre Simmons

Giuseppe Venero Petralia

Douglas Lucas Francis McFadden Lyle Morris Ross Newmann Rodney Nugent Adrian Parker

Harold Reynolds John Ritchie Vivian Smith Denis Sneesby Michael Walker Frances Waterson

Fabian Webb OAM Maurice Wilson OAM Lester Wyvill Minas Zeremes

Camillo Primavera Dorothy Sandall

Ada Smith

Hadyn Toy

Silver - 40 Years QJA Membership Trevor Bange Walter Buldo Bruno Ciobo Peter Clements Douglas Cooke Gordon Duncan

Hubert Finney Anthony Fiore Iris Jackson Peter Jordan Roselyn Kaden Terence Kearney

Bronze - 25 Years QJA Membership Gregory Dauth Sheryl Haslam

John McDonald AM Graham Myers

Welcome to New Members The following have joined the Association since the last Journal: Ki Ahn Jeffrey Aislabie Belinda Allen Judith Alterator Anne Anson Scott Armytage Thomas Baddock Andrew Badke Mikaela Barnes Janelle Barry Kevin Beach Tracey Beaumont Laura Bechly Andrew Bell Victoria Bell Lisa Benedetti Neil Bennetto Virginia Berridge Janelle Berry Guru Bharadwaj Dallas Blackmore Wilma Blake John Borg Philipa-Mary Bowkett Michelle Bremner Rohan Brewster-Webb Rebecca Bryant Katherine Buchanan Gaye Buckley Ann Butcher Belinda Byrne Julie Cameron Janette Campbell Zaclyn Chan David Chiu Elizabeth Clarke Rosemary Clayton Julie Congdon Denise Cooper Robin Cooper Diane Cornale Nicky Coulson Jessie Cox Rosalie Cox Lynley Cunningham

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Michele DÃrcy Rodney Daniel Jason Daniels Barry Day Kroy Day Adam Day Rachel Dean Janet Dilena Jodie Donnelly Eunice Donovan Sheila Duca Catherine Dukes Myra Duncan Katherine Dunlop Robert Dwyer Geoffrey Dwyer Nicole Dye Rodney Ehrke Gregory Elder Kenneth Finney Tobias Forster-Wright Beverley Forsyth David Foster Sandra Fox-Spencer Adrienna Gain Kevin Garland Holly Garlick Rebecca Garlick Timothy Gear Josephine Geary Kenneth Gibbs Brian Gibson Michael Gibson Elda Gileppa Sandra Goldsmith Anita Gow Jack Greensill Daniel Grier Mark Grimmer Paula Hafner Frances Hall Christopher Hancock Christine Hanneford Peta Hardy Annette Harrip

Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918

Selene Harris Menelaos Hatzoglou Vicki Hawes Marion Hawkins Kylie Hawkins Sandra Herse Xenia Heynen Lynne Higgins Michelle Hill Rocky Hoffman Gregory Hoffmann Joanne Hogbin Michael Hood Michael Howe Stuart Howes Xin Huang Jacqueline Huppert Rebecca Imeson Linda Innes Catherine Jensen Theodore Jensen Cassandra Johnson Beverley Jones Bianca Jones Damian Jones Ratnam Kandasamy Brittney Kane Joan Kennedy Francis Kennedy James Kidd Jacqueline King Tina Klein Sofija Langlois Anne Lawton Owen Lawton Michael Lean Rachel Leung Megan Lutton Hanh Luu Rebecca Marsh Hayley-anne Massingham Kerrie McCarthy Melynda McConochie Robert McLachlan Corrine McMillan

Janice Menere Tammy Mills Jaana Molloy Mark Morrow Jessica Muggeridge Tracey Mulhern Alan Murtagh Mohd Nahariah Jagdish Narayan Sathyarajan Narayanan Narelle Nolan Lynette Nowell Jason O’Brien Leah O’Connor Allen Ogden Marc Orchard Marie Ord Monique O’Rielley Jean Payne Cathie Perkovic Esther Peters Terrence Philp Ronald Pierce-Lyons Richard Porter Patricia Pottle Chaz Prezident Monique Prior Virginia Prowse Kim Puckey Joanne Radics Jacqueline Radin Michael Rees Kerry Rehbein Joanne Remmelt Cheryl Reynolds Marie-claire Ribet Ruth Rimes Margaret Roberson Lex Roberts Ian Rollman Mark Rose Jennifer Ross Samantha Rush Kate Ryan Lucinda Sams

Jodie Saul Scott Saunders Cheryl Scott Robert Shore Ian Smith Howard Spry Sylvia Steffek Gary Stephens Stephanie Stevens Kelly Stevens Deborah Stevenson Michael Stevenson Brent Story William Stowers Gemma Stutzle Mehmet Tavli Jessica Tehuia Denese Temu Tere Temu Malley Thomas Roslyn Thompson Russel Thompson Roslyn Thompson Jasmine Tracey Karen Trend Ann Vains Linda Vanner Jo-ann Veitch Marion Waldie Mei-Chu Wang Amanda Wastell Jason Watson Barry Webster Douglas Welch Roderick Whybird Ronald Williams Glenn Willmann John Wilson Gary Wood Graham Woodward Xiaochuan Xu Nathan Young Jingyi Zhai Melodie Zylstra

VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 2 • WINTER 2013

Registrar wins Prestigious Award Brisbane By: Marian Vierveyzer – Vice President

•Impact on women’s empowerment: to clearly articulate the specific intended effect on women in terms of their economic and social empowerment as well as the actual impact the initiative has on women.

At the IWD luncheon on 8th March I had the honour of presenting our very own Registrar, Angela Yin with the “Sustaining Women’s Empowerment in Communities and Organisations” (SWECO) Silver Award for 2013.

•Capacity: demonstrate their capacity to collaborate with others to seek and utilise assistance and expertise to develop and implement their initiative.

The Australian Centre for Leadership for Women (ACLW) 2013 Leadership Award aims to honour male and female individuals and groups who have developed a sustainable initiative to empower women in a community or organisation.

•Measurable and/or Non-Measureable results: provide either quantitative evidence (e.g. statistics) to show progress toward the stated goal or qualitative evidence such as the milestones reached toward their stated goals.

Established in 2011, SWECO’s first round of winners were commended for their leadership, determination and collaboration in establishing significant initiatives for women in the community and in the workplace.

The 2011 inaugural QJA IWD celebration coincided with the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day itself. Angela recognised that female Justices had a speciality that had to this point not been recognised for their selfless contribution to the community. Although the role of a female Justice is no different than any male Justice, women have only had the authority to become a Justice since 1915 in Australia where men have always held the authority since Justices or Keepers of the Kings Peace have held the authority since the 13th century.

Angela harnessed her passion for advancing the status of women, and in this case selfless women who quietly supported the community with their services. With the Board’s support, Angela almost single handily organised and co-ordinated the first luncheon, sending out 2,500 letters to all the QJA female members. She canvassed support from State members of parliament and the Qld Premier of the time The Hon Anna Bligh MP.

Above: Marian Vierveyzer QJA Vice President (right) presents the Award to Angela Yin QJA Registrar at the Brisbane International Women’s Day lunch.

Angela’s entry into the “Organisations” category described her initiatives for economic and social empowerment within the QJA. In particular, Angela’s initiative to establish the International Women’s Day celebration for female Honorary Justices and it’s not only overwhelming acceptance by our members but that it continued to improve year after year improving and reaching more and more JP’s and C.Decs. Many of the ladies who have attended the luncheon have celebrated over the 3 years the QJA IWD celebration has been in existence.

The judging criteria evaluated the entrants by: • Leadership: demonstrating leadership skills employed in effectively developing, implementing and evaluating an initiative for achieving and sustaining empowerment of women in an organisation.

•Sustainability: describing how the initiative has sustained empowerment for women within the organisation, how it will continue in the future and expected outcomes.

Sponsorship for the event was found and a venue selected, guest speakers were locked in and with 160 members attending the first ever QJA IWD in 2011 was deemed an outstanding success.

Angela saw the event as a networking opportunity and a way to raise the profile of the Justices of the Peace and the QJA. The event also helped increase membership and raise revenue for QJA, which is a Not for Profit business and relies on membership and training as its core income.

All this she did around her normal duties in the QJA State Office.

The leadership skills that Angela showed were inspirational. All this during a time that Brisbane was suffering a “one in 100 year” flood event.

The event has now become a regular event on the QJA calendar but now Angela has a committee to share the load making the event sustainable. A special gift for the ladies leaves a lasting memento to remember a fun event with fellow JP’s.

QJA IWD has grown and is now celebrated at branches throughout Queensland. I hope Angela’s efforts pay off and the event is taken forward and celebrated regionally every year.

It was a great pleasure to present Angela with the award as a recognition of her inspirational ideas and her dedication to her role as the QJA Registrar.

Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918

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International Women’s Day Brisbane Brisbane by: Angela Yin – Registrar

QJA Warwick Branch is a newly established Branch in the Warwick area and meets every two months on the 3rd Thursday at the Condamine Sport Club starting at 6:00 pm. For further information, contact the Branch Secretary – see the back page for contact details.

Cairns by: Chris Porter – Director One hundred and four years after the origin of International Women’s Day (IWD), the Queensland Justices Association – Cairns Central Branch (QJA-CCB) hosted a morning tea for thirty Far North Queensland women, to celebrate the roles of women in society and particularly as Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations.

The Annual QJA International Women’s Day Luncheon was held on 8 March 2013. With over 80 attendees, including Brisbane City Council Woolloongabba Ward councillor, Helen Abrahams, everybody had a wonderful time with a fun ice-breaker from EmCee Marian Vierveyzer and a presentation by Caron Menashe of the AntiDiscrimination Commission Queensland about how women have changed the law to overcome discrimination. All attendees had the opportunity to have professional photographer Cindy Revell take a beautiful photo as a keepsake of the day. We thank Diane Antonsen, Deputy Registrar of the District & Supreme Court who opened the Lunch on behalf of the JP Branch.

We congratulate all the winners of the raffles, including the lovely Cr Helen Abrahams, who won first prize – a weekend at the Diana Plaza Hotel! Diana Plaza is located a short walk from her Ward office, so if she is working back late, she knows exactly where she can stay!

Warwick The Queensland Justice Association Warwick Branch hosted a very successful and well attended International Women’s Day function on March the 8th at Joie de Vivre, Warwick.

The inaugural event was the vision of QJA-CCB member, Patricia Lawardorn, who worked tirelessly for the preceding weeks to bring together an event that was a clever combination of formality and fun. Women dressed in the IWD colours of purple, green and white, travelled from areas between Smithfield and Townsville to be captivated by the informative and interesting words of the guest speakers, Naomi Wilson and Teri Lambert. Present also were two invited male guests, QJA-CCB President Paul Cleary, and QJA Director (Townsville) Chris Porter accompanied by his wife Karen.

Later, as the attendees mingled over tea and coffee, they also found a great opportunity to network amongst themselves, as evidenced by the hum of conversation and laughter as cups were filled and the delicious spread of sweets and savouries was steadily depleted. The general consensus was that the morning was a huge success and is definitely an occasion worth repeating.

Bundaberg The following photo is of the Bundaberg IWD event.

Three renowned guest speakers from the Southern Downs region namely Deeanne Natividad, Anne Coy and Jane Grieve spoke about their individual lines of expertise in a down-to-earth manner which related to all those who attended motivating them to pursue their own interests.

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Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918

VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 2 • WINTER 2013

Q&A Q1)

Are we as JPs expected to determine whether Statutory Declarations and Affidavits are truthful?

A)

The role of the JP in witnessing Statutory Declarations and Affidavits is not to prove the truth of the statements contained therein, but to ensure the declarant/deponent is aware of the penalties of submitting false or misleading statements, and that these penalties can be substantial (up to and including imprisonment for perjury). Once you have proven the identity of the person, checked the form for blanks etc., made them aware of the penalties under the various Acts, applied the Oath or Declaration and witness their signature - then your duties are completed. In Queensland it is also acceptable for a client to insist that their Statutory Declaration or Affidavit not be read by the JP.

Q3)

The above obviously does not apply to Complaints, Warrants, JEO’s and EPA’s, etc. where a degree of judicial prudence is required.

Search Warrants – when is a JP (Qual) not authorised to approve a Search Warrant?

A)

There are some circumstances in which you cannot issue a warrant.

If you encounter any of these situations you must refuse to issue the warrant on the grounds that you do not have the authority to do so.

These include:

Section 234A Aggravated offence of false documents and false or misleading information etc. relating to non-citizens (at least 5 people) A person must not, in connection with: (a) the entry or proposed entry into Australia, or the immigration clearance, of a group of 5 or more non-citizens (which may include that person), or of any member of such a group; or Penalty: Imprisonment for 20 years or 2,000 penalty units, or both.

Only if you have personal knowledge that the contents are false, should you then decline to witness it.

It is up to the Lawyers and Judges to challenge the veracity of the information, and prove this through the judicial process.

Q2)

In that case, what are the penalties for false statements?

A)

In the Criminal Code 1899 (Qld): Section 193 - False verified statements: (1) A person who makes a verified statement that the person knows is false in a material particular when the person is required by law to make the statement in the form of a verified statement commits a crime. In this section— verified statement means— (a) a statement made on oath or under another sanction that may by law be substituted for an oath; or (b) a statement verified by solemn declaration or affirmation.

Maximum penalty—7 years imprisonment.

Section 194 - False declarations (1) A person who makes a declaration that the person knows is false in a material particular, whether or not the person is permitted or required by law to make the declaration, before a person authorised by law to take or receive declarations, Maximum penalty—3 years imprisonment.

•

when it is intended to do anything that may cause structural damage to a building. In such a case, the warrant must be issued by a Supreme Court Judge as per section 150(4) of the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (Qld); Note: “Structural” means building items such as Beams, Frames, Joists, etc. Not wall/ceiling panels or doors (Editor).

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when police are seeking the production of documents from a “cash dealer” (e.g. a bank) relating to the commission of an offence or a confiscation related activity. In this case, the warrant must be issued by a Magistrate as per section 180 of the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (Qld);

•

when access is required to a storage device, such as a computer.

In this case, the warrant must be issued by a Magistrate or Judge, as per section 154 of the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (Qld).

Q4)

What is the difference between “Alterations” and “Minor Corrections” in Land Title documents?

A)

Alteration: When details are changed which affect the nature and intent of the document eg person or lot added or deleted from the document.

•

Alterations made before lodgement must be initialled by each party who executed the document or an authorised person.

•

Alterations made after lodgement where a lot, party or interest is added to the document will need to be re-executed by all the parties.

•

The witness will be required to initial an alteration where it may impact on their responsibilities under s 162 of the Land Title Act 1994. It is advisable to have the alteration initialled by the witness if there is doubt on whether or not the alteration impacts on the witness’s responsibilities.

In the Statutory Declarations Act 1959 (Cth) Section 11 False declarations: A person must not intentionally make a false statement in a statutory declaration.

Penalty: Imprisonment for 4 years.

In the Migration Act 1959 (Cth) Section 234 False documents and false or misleading information etc. relating to non-citizens (1) A person shall not, in connexion with the entry, proposed entry or immigration clearance, of a non-citizen (including that person himself or herself) into Australia or with an application for a visa or a further visa permitting a non-citizen (including that person himself or herself) to remain in Australia: (a) present, or cause to be presented, to an officer or a person exercising powers or performing functions under this Act a document which is forged or false;

Minor Correction: When a change to correct a minor error which does not alter the impact of the document eg a typographical error in a name, transposition of digits.

•

Corrections made before lodgement must be initialled by at least one of the parties or a solicitor or authorised person for one of the parties.

•

Corrections made after lodgement must be initialled by at least one of the parties or a solicitor or authorised person for one of the parties.

At any time when you are uncertain refer to your Guide to JP Practice or contact the Land Titles office.

Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years or 1,000 penalty units, or both.

Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918

13

Regional Roundup Gold Coast QJA Gold Coast Branch Member, Angela Simic is congratulated by Cr Margaret Grummitt, on behalf of Gold Coast Council at a lunch to celebrate Angela & Alex Simic’s 60th Wedding Anniversary.

Congratulations from all at QJA, the Queen, Governor General, Governor of Queensland, Gold Coast Council and Local Members of Parliament, along with many other congratulations were received by Angela & Alex. What a wonderful event.

Bundaberg Damien Mealey, Registrar and Manager of the JP Branch Dept of Justice and Attorney-General and two staff travelled to Bundaberg on Monday 8th April and gave an informative seminar to 65 JPs and C.Decs from the Bundaberg area.

Booval Celebration The Booval Fair JP Signing Centre commenced operation on 16th March 2005 and celebrated its 8th birthday recently. The facility was the first in the Ipswich area and one of the first in Queensland.

8 of the original 16 JP’s are still serving the Ipswich community at Booval. Coordinated by Alan Broughton JP (Qual) a member of the Queensland Justices Association (Est. 1918) is proud to help the Department of Justice and Attorney-General JP Branch with mentoring new Justices such as Leanne Jackwitz and Bruce Allanson.

Jacob Hannan from The Department of Justice JP Branch visited the centre to personally congratulate the volunteers. Today the centre is so well utilised that it takes approximately 20 JPs to keep the centre running. It is so popular with shoppers that the centre will extend their hours to include Tuesdays, 10am to 12noon. Currently the centre is open from 6pm to 8pm Thursday evenings and 9.30am to 12 noon on Saturdays.

The people of Ipswich bring a wide variety of documents for witnessing including Mortgage documents, Affidavits, EPA’s, Statutory Declarations and JPs certify a great number of certified copies are processed along with servicing the needs of the local Police Beat with judicial documents. Although most requests are simple and quick to execute, the patients of the customers is appreciated as on some occasion a document may take a long time to complete.

Other centres in the Ipswich area can be found at Riverlink Shopping Centre, Rosewood Community Centre, Ipswich Court House and Orion Shopping Centre at Springfield Lakes.

Bowen

Members of the newly formed Bowen Branch of QJA. From L to R – Fiona Barty, Anne Maree Bligh (Chairperson), Brian Byrne (Secretary), Tonia Norris (Treasurer) and Ron Williams.

The Bowen Branch of the QJA was formed in February this year with six Justices of the Peace attending this meeting. Chris Porter (Townsville Branch) representing QJA, attended this meeting and was able to advise us on the benefits of having a Branch of QJA in Bowen. As Bowen is a relatively small community with a population of approx. 9000, those JPs present could see that there was a need for a support group for JPs. It was unanimously agreed that a Branch of QJA be formed. Our first committee was voted in – Anne Maree Bligh (Chairperson), Brian Byrne (Secretary) and Tonia Norris (Treasurer). Our first General Meeting was held on 7th March.

We know our Branch will not have a large membership but already we have new members attending our second General Meeting on 2nd May who are keen to join QJA and benefit from liaising with fellow JPs at our meetings who will give much needed support to each other.

Above Left to Right: Cr Bruce Casos – Ipswich City Council, Bob Pilkington & Marian Vierveyzer QJA Vice Presidents and Jacob Hannan - Senior Community Engagement Officer Dept of Justice & Attorney-General JP Branch cut the cake and share with Justices and customers alike 14

Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918

We intend to have Guest Speakers and/or discussions sessions at our bi-monthly meetings.

Some of our members volunteer their services at the Bowen Court House each week.

VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 2 • WINTER 2013

Regional Roundup Gympie

25 Years’ Service

The Gympie branch of the QJA held a successful sausage sizzle on Saturday 27th May at the Harvey Norman Complex.

The certificate recognising 25 years of service as a JP was presented to Trevor Kerlin by Gavin King, Local State Member for Cairns, at the QJA Training session held at The Cairns Sheridan Hotel on 12 March 2013.

Trevor volunteers as a JP at the signing centre in Stockland Shopping Centre, Earlville and has done so since its inception. He is a retired Teacher and Safety Officer, Past President and life member of the FNQ Safety Group, and also has life membership of the Cairns Choral Society. Trevor has been a Training Officer for Divisional WHS and also currently teaches voluntarily in the Cairns Catholic Diocese.

Pictured from left to right are: Sandra Coates, Keith Bunkum, Janine Heyer and Daphne Horne.

Volunteers Needed at Signing Centres

The branch now has three signing centres. The main one being at the Court House, with the others situated at the Library and the South Side shopping centre.

Local Branches of the QJA are urgently seeking JP (Qual) and C.Dec volunteers to undertake volunteering roles within Signing Centres.

Mareeba Branch Formed We are delighted to report that at a meeting chaired by QJA Director Chris Porter on the 7th May 2013 at the Mareeba Leagues Club, a Mareeba Branch of the Queensland Justices Association was formed. Of those present, the following were voted into office and hold positions as stated below.

Only a small fraction of the 91,000 JPs in Queensland are volunteering for signing Centres and we need more.

JPs and C.Decs provide a vital role in the community by signing and witnessing legal and court documents for the general public. An example of some of these documents are as follows:

L to R- Lyne Nowell, Kattina Ernst, Mick Dwyer (Chairman), Ann Vains (Secretary), Patricia Pottle, John Dixon, Merle Searle (Treasurer) absent.

Congratulations and Thanks The QJA Board has recognised the strong relationship established over a long period of time with one of our key suppliers, Zink Print.

Raymond Young OAM QJA Vice President recently presented Zoë McInnes, Managing Director of Zink Print with an embroidered plaque recognizing the valuable role Zink Print provides in the preparation of the QJA Journal, Brochures, Badges, and other marketing and print material.

•

Witnessing people signing documents as prescribed by law,

•

Certifying copies of documents as true copies,

•

Taking Statutory Declarations,

•

Taking Sworn Affidavits,

•

Assessing capacity and witnessing Powers of Attorney, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Advance Health Directives,

•

Ensuring the variety of documents dealing with land titles are processed according to the Lands Title Act,

•

Processing a wide variety of Commonwealth documents,

If you are available or would like to find out more about your local signing centres refer to the back page of this Journal and get in touch with your local contact. If you don’t have a local Branch or Contact Group then call State Office and we can put you in touch with a local signing centre.

Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918

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REGIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION BEAUDESERT CONTACT GROUP Valmai Macaulay beaudesert@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 5544 6460 BOWEN BRANCH Brian Byrne bowen@qja.com.au Telephone: 0409 445 056 BRISBANE NORTH BRANCH John Carpendale brisbanenorth@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 3353 2927 BRISBANE SOUTH BRANCH Jan Robbins brisbanesouth@qja.com.au Telephone: 0422 117 225 BUNDABERG BRANCH Dave Read bundaberg@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 4151 1505 CABOOLTURE BRANCH John Geary caboolture@qja.com.au Telephone: 0407 579 139 CAIRNS CENTRAL BRANCH Margaret Neville cairns@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 4045 2333 CAIRNS SOUTH BRANCH Meredith Gardiner cairnssouth@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 4041 6228 CALOUNDRA BRANCH Irene White caloundra@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 5439 7387 FOREST LAKE CONTACT GROUP Karyn McCabe forestlake@qja.com.au Telephone: 0413 432 181

GLADSTONE BRANCH Fred Golder gladstone@qja.com.au Telephone 0419 796 177

MAREEBA BRANCH Details to come mareeba@qja.com.au Telephone: details to come

SOUTH PINE BRANCH Phyllis Hall southpine@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 3264 4436

GOLD COAST BRANCH Patricia Taylor goldcoast@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 5519 3020

MAROOCHYDORE BRANCH Anne Fletcher maroochydore@qja.com.au Telephone: 0420 423 553

SOUTH BURNETT BRANCH Debbie-Lee Jackson southburnett@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 4162 7977

GYMPIE BRANCH Janine Heyer gympie@qja.com.au Telephone 0407 765 398

MARYBOROUGH CONTACT GROUP Geoff Parsons maryborough@qja.com.au Telephone:(07) 4129 0809

TIN CAN BAY CONTACT GROUP Janine Heyer tincanbay@qja.com.au Telephone: 0407 765 398

MT ISA CONTACT GROUP Duncan Cunningham mtisa@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 4743 0303

TOOWOOMBA BRANCH Peter Boyes toowoomba@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 4638 0709

NOOSA BRANCH Margaret Lewins noosa@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 5471 0617

TOWNSVILLE BRANCH Lesley Richards townsville@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 4779 0617

REDLAND CITY BRANCH Ray Burrows redlandcity@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 3822 1366

WARWICK BRANCH Ellen Allen warwick@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 4666 3164

ROCKHAMPTON BRANCH Lance Watson rockhampton@qja.com.au Telephone: 0447 021 591

WESTERN SUBURBS BRANCH Grahame Tainton westsubs@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 3279 0185

HERVEY BAY BRANCH Doug Hull herveybay@qja.com.au Telephone: 0417 746 219 HORNIBROOK BRANCH Nobby Clarke hornibrook@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 3142 0492 IPSWICH BRANCH Stephanie Payne ipswich@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 3281 9114 INGHAM BRANCH Siobahn Pelleri ingham@qja.com.au Telephone 0438 102 962 LOGAN BRANCH Keith Revell logan@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 3803 4337 LOGANHOLME CONTACT GROUP John Bailey loganholme@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 3287 1516 MACKAY BRANCH Maria Valena mackay@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 4977 5609

ROSEDALE CONTACT GROUP Jonathan Brown rosedale@qja.com.au Telephone: 0741569237

WYNNUM MANLY BRANCH Don Hann wynnummanly@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 3390 4278

ROSEWOOD CONTACT GROUP Alan Broughton rosewood@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 5464 2007

Branches conduct regular meetings (at least five per year), conduct training, operate signing facilities, have defined revenue streams and a formalised structure. Contact groups meet on an “as required basis” and generally exist to operate signing facilities and to deal with other local issues. For details of what is happening in your local area, including professional development opportunities, please feel free to phone any of the numbers above and your local contact will be happy to assist.

Anti-Discrimination Commission Centrelink Consular Assistance (SmartTraveller) Customs Border Protection Hotline Crimestoppers Dept Communities (Families) Dept Foreign Affairs & Trade Dept Justice & A-G - JP Branch Brisbane JP Branch (Afterhours Mobile) Dept Justice & A-G - JP - New South Wales Dept Justice & A-G - JP - Victoria Dept Transport (Queensland) Dispute Resolution Branch DV Connect – Womensline DV Connect – Mensline Elderly Abuse Prevention Unit Electoral Commission of Queensland Equity & Fair Trading: Consumer Information Land Titles Office (Dept Natural Resources) Legal Aid Queensland 16

Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918

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Legal Services Commission Marriage Celebrants (JAG Canberra) Mental Health Orders (JEO’s) National Security Hotline Office of the Adult Guardian (EPA’s & AHD’s) Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Office of the Public Advocate Office of the State Coroner Police Link Police - Traffic Camera Infringement Office Public Trustee Office (Wills) Public Trustee Office (EPA’s) Queensland Independent Legal Services (QAILS) Queensland Civil Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) Queensland Law Society Registry of Births, Deaths, Marriages (Qld) State Emergency Service State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) Victims Assist Queensland

1300 655 754 02 6234 4800 07 3835 1444 1800 123 400 1300 653 187 1800 673 428 07 3224 7424 1300 304 605 13 14 44 1300 360 610 1300 360 044 1300 651 591 07 3392 0092 1300 753 228 07 3842 5842 1300 366 430 13 25 00 1300 365 635 1300 546 587