Justice of the Peace

Have you ever seen our lovely volunteers Kathleen and Harry around the hospital together?

Well, they play a very special role here at Murdoch.

They are ‘Justices of the Peace’ and play an essential part of the justice system and in the community in Western Australia. This role can only be undertaken in a volunteering capacity.

What do JPs do?

JPs are regularly called upon by the WA Police Force to issue search warrants.

Other tasks include witnessing affidavits, statutory declarations and certifying documents.

There is a need for JPs to assist at document witnessing centres and other places, including Hospitals.

JPs are expected to perform their duties consistently and be available to the public whenever possible.

To become a JP, the nomination has to be submitted through a State member of parliament and be approved by the Governor. They must also undergo an intensive JP training course before being appointed.

At Murdoch, our JPs could be called in on any day, at any time to help authorise and witness statutory declarations or affidavits, and certify documents. Harry and Kathleen are always seen together as there must be two JPs witnessing the signing of a document at any time.

Justices of the Peace Harry and Kathleen assisting ICU patient Cathy in signing an important document. Cathy could not sign this document without assistance which is when Harry and Kathleen were called in.

They are an incredible asset to our team here at Murdoch and play a really important role in the lives of our patients, who are often in very vulnerable positions.