VOLUME VOLUME 12 13 •• NUMBER NUMBER 22 •• WINTER WINTER 2015 2016
INSIDE
QJA - ESTABLISHED IN 1918 Official Magazine of the Queensland Justices Association
THIS ISSUE PERSONAL PROFILES 2 COMPANY INFORMATION 3 VICE-PRESIDENT’S PAGE 4 BOARD GOVERNANCE 5 QJA SURVEY RESULTS 6 PERSONAL PROFILE: LISETTE DILLON 7 PERSONAL PROFILE: MARGARET PEEL 8
ABOUT REFUGEES
9
2016 STATE CONFERENCE
10 NEWS IN BRIEF 11 ROLL OF HONOUR 12 Q & A QUICK QUIZZES 14 REGIONAL ROUNDUP 16 REGIONAL CONTACTS INSERTS C ONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM AGM NOTICE & AGM PROXY FORM
In this issue, we again provide a personal profile of two remarkable QJA members. Both of the featured individuals have, in their academic careers, achieved doctorate qualifications and now devote a portion of their busy post-employment time to volunteering as JPs within their communities. Lisette Dillon is Secretary of the Hornibrook Branch (Redcliffe-Sandgate area) as well as a volunteer JP at several community sites. Read all about Lisette’s life before settling at Redcliffe and the other volunteer roles with which she is involved (page 6). Margaret Peel now resides in Albany Creek (on the north-western boundary of Greater Brisbane) but spent the majority of her working life interstate and overseas. Notwithstanding the later-life onset of Post Polio Syndrome, Margaret is actively committed to several community causes, including volunteering as a JP. Her story is on page 7.
QJA SURVEY RESULTS Thank you to those 1125 members who took the time to respond to our recent online survey. This represents about 21% of the surveys distributed and 38% of those who opened the attached email. This is a very high response rate and allows us to be confident the responses accurately represent the views of our membership as a whole. When the last QJA survey was conducted (5 years ago – in hard copy form), the response rate was just over 2% (about 1/10th of the result this time). A summation of the submitted responses is presented on page 5. To see the full results, click here.
2016 STATE CONFERENCE - REGISTER NOW On page 9, we provide some more information about the 2016 State Conference in Rockhampton on Saturday 29 October, including the unveiling of the conference logo and theme. A hard-copy registration form is an insert to this issue. Alternatively, you may register online at www.qja.com.au.
2016 AGM Immediately after the 2016 State Conference in Rockhampton, the QJA 2016 Annual General Meeting will be held. A formal notice of the meeting and Proxy Form (for those unable to attend in person) are a combined insert to this Journal. As well, the proposed Constitution changes are explained on page 4. All attendees at the Conference are invited to remain for the AGM.
VICE-PRESIDENT MOVES TO ROMA QJA Vice-President, Marian Vierveyzer recently made the move from Ipswich to Roma. As well, in the absence of our President, Keith Revell, for a few weeks in April/May, Marian became acting President for that period. For this issue, Marian has ownership of page 3 where she brings us up to date on what’s happening at QJA as well as her relocation.
Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
Mr Raymond Young OAM JP (Qual) Telephone (07) 4927 4155 Mobile 0405 624 648 Email ray.young@qja
Board of Directors
DIRECTORS PRESIDENT & CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Patron
Honourable Justice Mr Ray BurrowsThe JP (Qual) Telephone (07) 3822 1366 Mr John GordonChief JP (Qual) Mobile 0409 499 016 Catherine Holmes Mobile:E0415 589 047 Email ray.burrows@qja.com.au Email: john.gordon@qja.com.au
Board of Directors VICE PRESIDENTS
Mr Keith Revell JP (Qual) Telephone Mr Bob Pilkington JP (Qual) Telephone: (07) 3803 4337 (07) 3812 1865 Revell JP (Qual) Immediate Past Keith President Mobile 0438 121 865 Mobile: 0411 134 841 M: 0411 134 841 Email bob.pilkington@qja.com.au Email: keith.revell@qja.com.au
President
E: keith.revell@qja.com.au
Mr JP Doug Hull JPTelephone (Qual) (07) 3389 2481 Mrs Marian Vierveyzer (Qual) Telephone: (07) 4128 0294 0415 Marian Vierveyzer JP(Qual) Raymond Young OAM Mobile 418 320 M: 0415 418 320 M: 0405 624 648 Email: doug.hull@qja.com.au Email marian.vierveyzer@qja.com.au
Vice Presidents
E: marian.vierveyzer@qja.com.au
E: raymond.young@qja.com.au
Mr Tel Mo Em
Mr Tel Mo Em
Mr Mo Em
Mr Raymond Young OAM JP (Qual) Telephone (07) 4927 4155
QUEENSLAND JUSTICES ASSOCIATION - ACN ISSN 1839-2784 Mobile009 666 0405559 624 –648 Bruce Birtwell JP(Qual)
M: 0429 350 230 Queensland Justices Association (QJA) E: bruce.birtwell@qja.com.au
John Carpendale JP (Qual) Email ray.young@qja.com.au M: 0419 683 325
The is a not-for-profit public company limited by E: john.carpendale@qja.com.au guarantee operating under the Corporations Act 2001 and is governed by a Board of Directo DIRECTORS Mr John Gordon JP (Qual)
Mr David Read JP (Qual)
RegisteredKate Office: 751 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102. Kunzelmann JP(Qual) Carmelo Pasquale JP(Qual)(07) 4152 3318 Telephone: Mobile: 0415 589 047 M: 0419 709 775 M: 0408 879 182 Postal Address:Email: john.gordon@qja.com.au PO Box 8419, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102Mobile: 0405 252 135 E: kate.kunzelmann@qja.com.au E: carmelo.pasquale@qja.com.au Email: dave.read@qja.com. Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm Contact: Free call: 1800 061 423 - Telephone: (07) 3392 2455 - Facs Mr Keith Revell JP (Qual) Mr John Carpendale JP(Qua Email: admin@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 3803 4337 Telephone (07) 3353 2927 Read 0411 JP(Qual) Garth Stephens JP(Qual) Website: DavidMobile: www.qja.com.au 134 841 Mobile 0419 683 325 0405 252 135 M: 0481 550 721 Facebook:M: www.facebook.com/QldJusticesAssn Email: keith.revell@qja.com.au Email john.carpendale@qja E: dave.read@qja.com.au E: garth.stephens@qja.com.au Registrar: Angela Yin BA (Journalism), GradDipSocAdmin, MHumanServ
Directors
.au
Mr Christopher Porter JP(Q Mr Doug Hull JP (Qual) Mobile: 0419 148 189 Telephone: (07) 4128 0294 Lance Watson JP(Qual) The QJA Journal is compiled by an Editorial Board on behalf of the QJA. | Editor Mr Keith Rev Email: chris.porter@qja.co Email: doug.hull@qja.com.au
JP (Qual) 4152 3318 (AH) 2 135 @qja.com.au
M: 0447 021 591
The views expressed in articles & published in the QJA Journal are not necessarily the vi E:advertisements lance.watson@qja.com.au or the Board of Directors.© Queensland Justices Association claims copyright to all material published i reproduced without the written consent of the QJA. All enquiries should be addressed to The Editor at
Queensland Justices Association State Office
dale JP(Qual) QUEENSLAND JUSTICES ASSOCIATION - ACN 009 666 559 – ISSN 1839-2784 3353 2927 Printed by Zink Print. PO Box 236, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone 0437 777 683 325 endale@qja.com.auThe Queensland Justices Association (QJA) is a not-for-profit public company limited by
Porter JP(Qual) 48 189 ter@qja.com.au
079 or visit us at www.zink
guarantee operating under the Corporations Act 2001 and is governed by a Board of Directors. 2
Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
Registered Office: Business Manager and Registrar Address: Wendy Postal La Macchia JP(Qual) E: training@qja.com.au Office Hours: Contact: Email: Website: Facebook: Registrar:
751 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102. Training Coordinator Membership Officer Merchandise Officer POCindy BoxRevell 8419,JP(Qual) Woolloongabba, QldGabor 4102Beres Aaron Dunster E: training@qja.com.au memberships@qja.com.au E: merchandise@qja.com.au Monday – Friday 8.30am to E: 4.30pm Free call: 1800 061 423 - Telephone: (07) 3392 2455 - Facsimile: (07) 3392 2955 ACN 009 666 559 – ISSN 1839-2784 admin@qja.com.au 751 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102. www.qja.com.au PO Box 8419, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102 Freecall 1800 061 423; Phone (07) 3392 2455 www.facebook.com/QldJusticesAssn E:admin@qja.com.au Angela Yin BA (Journalism), GradDipSocAdmin, MHumanServ, Cert IV TAE, Cert IV www.qja.com.au
Journal compiledisby an Editorial on behalf of theon QJA. | Editor Mr John Deputy Editor: Kate Kunzelmann. QJAisJournal compiled by Board an Editorial Board behalf of the QJA.Carpendale | Editor Mr Keith Revell 392 2955The QJA The
The views expressed in articles & advertisements published in the QJA Journal are not necessarily the views of the Queensland Justices Association The views expressed in articles & advertisements published in the QJA Journal are not necessarily the views of the Queensland Ju or the Board of Directors.© Queensland Justices Association claims copyright to all material published in this Journal. No material may be copied or or the Board of Directors.© Queensland Justices Association claims copyright to all material published in this Journal. No mater reproduced without the written consent of the QJA. All enquiries should be addressed to The Editor at editor@qja.com.au
reproduced without the written consent of the QJA. All enquiries should be addressed to The Editor at editor@qja.com.au
Printed by ZinkJPPrint. PO Box 236, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone 0437 777 079 or visit us at www.zinkprint.net.au. AE, Cert IV Fin Serv, (Qual)
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 Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
eensland Justices Association
Telephone (07) 3812 18 Mr Bob Pilkington JP (Qual) VOLUME 13 • NUMBER 2 • WINTER Immediate Past President Mobile 04382016 121 865 Email bob.pilkingto VICE-PRESIDENT’S PAGE Dear Members and Innocent Bystanders, I have had the honour of taking the reins while our dear President took a well-earned break. While he and Mrs President sailed the Pacific Ocean, us poor people were left to keep the wheels turning.
around the state.
This initiative aims to expand the
(07) 3389 Mrs Marian Vierveyzerpublic’s JP (Qual) awareness of theTelephone role of Justices of the Peace and 24 Commissioners for Declarations. Mobile 0415 418 320 Email marian.vierv
Keith Revell takes on a large portfolio as a Director of the QJA and works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the QJA runs smoothly. He also manages to keep QJA up to date with any IT issues. As we all know, the IT world moves extremely fast and if you are not constantly improving, upgrading or replacing you may find that you are behind the eight ball.
Mr Raymond Young OAM JP (Qual) Telephone (07) 4927 41 Mobile 0405 624 648 Email ray.young@q
Our online Training program, our state office IT needs, our websites, to name but a few run almost seamlessly because of Keith’s constant vigilance.
DIRECTORS
M T M E
Mr John Gordon JP (Qual) Mobile: 0415 589 047 Email: john.gordon@qja.com.au
Our office team are all constantly updating and upgrading information on the website, the member data base and other information packages to ensure you, our members, have the best of IT experiences when you visit the QJA website. There is a great array of learning resources in the member section to assist on a personal level or as a tool to use during a branch meeting or professional development workshop.
In January, I packed up my husband and my household shackles and moved us to Roma. I have always loved this part of Queensland when travelling westward with our caravan.
Mr Keith Revell JP (Qual) Telephone: (07) 3803 4337 I attended the DJAG meetings held at Roma and Chinchilla Mobile: 0411some 134form841 but sadly was not able to attend the Dalby meeting with a Our State Office team are finally finding of normality after almost a year of struggles with the view to establishing JPs in the Community signing facilities Email:computer keith.revell@qja.com.au implementation of the back-office system. I in these areas. I met some of the local active JPs and I’m thankful that during Keith’s absence we did not have too many issues. I am happy to hand back the reins to Keith. Thanks for the experience.
actually observed them breathing IN and OUT on the same day.
M T M E
C.Decs but alas there was not enough interest from those who attended to establish the signing centres.
M M E
Mr Doug Hull JP (Qual) I am not one to take NO for an answer and would like to Telephone: (07) 4128 0294 start signing centres in these areas, as I believe there is definitely a need. I would like to start with Roma and meet Email: doug.hull@qja.com.au our local members and survey their interest. I will be in
The Board continues to implement initiatives from the Trainers’ Moderation Day and the Board workshop in February.
The Board will launch the Community Engagement Program shortly. The aim of this program is to assist branches get involved in their own communities. It gives suggestions of how to do this and all the while may also assist branches who might be struggling with attendance or to freshen up their approach to meetings or professional development workshops. Branch members can determine if they wish to take up the suggestions and to what degree. The initiative is purely voluntary.
contact shortly and make our meeting a great networking opportunity. I would like to meet as many QJA members (and potential members) as possible, so if you are in the Maranoa Region please contact me. See contact details on page 2.
ND JUSTICES ASSOCIATION - ACN 009 666 559 – ISSN 1839-2784
I will be eager to meet you all at the State Conference being held in Rockhampton on 29th October.
Till next time, public company limited by and Justices Association (QJA) is a not-for-profit To give an incentive to branches and individual members an Award program will reward those who have Act achieved a erating under the Corporations 2001 and is governed by a Board of Direc growth in engagement such as increased membership of the branch, a growth in meeting attendance and may also assist the way we, as Justices, participate in community events not just as people signing at Signing facilities
ffice: ss: :
Marian
Marian Vierveyzer Qld – Vice-President 751 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba, 4102. PO Box 8419, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102 Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918 Monday – Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm
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BOARD GOVERNANCE
Finance and Audit Committee Formed In 2015 the QJA Board participated in the “Not-for-Profit Finance Survey” along with 845 other respondents from every state and territory in Australia. The final report has been issued and provides us with some insight into the business models of other organisations. This report highlights the survey’s findings on the challenges and opportunities facing not-for-profit organisations seeking to raise and manage funds, reduce risk, meet rising demand for services and comply with increasingly complex reporting obligations. Importantly, it also offers a clear direction for filling gaps in the sector’s capabilities and removing other obstacles to its ongoing success. A review of the report’s findings has shown that the QJA is well placed with regard to the financial governance and financial management of the organisation and ranks in the top quartile of similar organisations for financial practices. One aspect of the report which indicated an area where we could benefit from additional governance is the formation of a Board Finance and Audit Committee, which has now been approved by the Board and implemented. The Board has appointed Vice President Marian Vierveyzer as the chairman of the committee. The Finance and Audit Committee’s role is to monitor and control budgeting and planning, financial reporting, fee review and ensure appropriate financial and accounting controls are in place. The committee is authorised by the Board to: investigate any activity within its terms of reference; seek any information that it requires from any employee of the company (and all employees are directed to co-operate with any request made by the committee); obtain outside legal or independent professional advice (at the company’s expense) and secure the attendance of outsiders with relevant experience and expertise if it considers this necessary.
Proposed Constitution Changes As stated in previous articles, the QJA’s Constitution is what we call a “living” document, in that it should evolve and change as our organisation’s needs evolve and change. One of the Board’s remits is to review our Constitution on a regular basis to determine if any changes are merited. As indicated in the 2016 AGM Notice (insert), the following amendments are proposed: Number of Vice-Presidents One area that has been under review for some time is the number of Vice-Presidents that are elected to the Board. For 4
Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
the size of our organisation and for the duties required of the Vice-President the Board believes that one Vice-President is sufficient. The Board recommends that the Constitution be amended to reduce the number of Vice-Presidents from two to one, while retaining the same total number of Board Members. This means the Board will consist of: 1 x President, 1 x Vice-President, and 8 x Board Members. A number of Rules will be amended to change the number of Vice-Presidents from two to one, and to change all references in the plural to the singular. The Constitution currently provides that if the President is unavailable a Vice-President will take over. If neither VicePresident is available, then the Board can appoint from its members a Director to take over. This is sufficient to ensure the effective governance of the organisation and the chairing of meetings. Having two Vice-Presidents is unnecessary. Election of President and Vice-President. Following last year’s election of the Board and the use of the new electronic voting platform, which was a remarkable success and thank you to all our Members who voted, we did receive a lot of feedback about the selection of the senior office bearers. The one piece of consistent feedback was that many members felt they could not fairly identify an appropriate President or Vice-President to vote for as they did not have enough information about the succession planning process nor the skills needed in those positions. Succession planning for the next President and Vice-President is extremely difficult when the appointment of the President and VicePresident is decided by direct popular election. Based on discussions with our honorary lawyers, information obtained from external governance organisations, and bench-mark comparisons to best practice of other not-forprofit organisations, the Board recommends that the election process be changed and the Constitution updated to enable the Board to select the President and Vice-President from within its ranks. It is the Board recommendation that: • Ten Directors be elected as Board Members by popular vote of the Members. • At the first meeting of the new Board, the elected Board Members appoint, by a collegiate voting process, the President and Vice-President from the ten elected Board Members. This will require a change to Rule 54 and the addition of Rule 55 for the Collegiate Election process. The President and Vice-President will serve for the duration of the current Board. This enables the Board to more actively manage succession planning for the position of President and Vice-President which is not available at present. It enables the Board to appoint from within its Members the people most qualified to run the organisation based on their skills, knowledge and experience. You, the Members will retain control and ownership of who is elected to the Board.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Annual General Meeting of the Queensland Justices Association will be held at: 4.30pm on Saturday 29th October, 2016 at the Rockhampton Leagues Club Cnr George and Cambridge Street, ROCKHAMPTON. The business to be transacted at the meeting is as follows:
1. Members present, proxies received and apologies: 2. Minutes of the 2015 annual General Meeting and business arising from the minutes: Motion 1: That the minutes of the 2015 annual General Meeting of the Queensland Justices Association, held at St Columban’s College, 100 McKean Street, Caboolture on 7 November 2015 and published in the Summer 2015 edition of the QJA Journal, be confirmed as a correct record.
3. President’s Report 2015-16 Motion 2: That the President’s Report be received.
4. Directors’ Report 2015-16 Motion 3: That the Directors’ Report be received.
5. Financial Statements 2015-16 Motion 4: That the Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2016, as set out in the Annual Report, be adopted.
6. Constitution Changes Motion 5: The Constitution be amended to reduce the number of Vice Presidents from two to one. NOTE: The number of Directors remains unchanged. Board positions are 1x President, 1x Vice President, 8x Board Members. Motion 6: The Constitution be amended to elect by popular vote all Board Members and to appoint the President and Vice President by Collegiate vote from within the elected Board. The article on page 4 of this edition (Winter 2016) of the QJA Journal contains an explanation of these proposed amendments.
7. Close As required by section 250S of the Corporations Act 2001, the chair of the AGM must allow a reasonable opportunity for the members to ask questions about or make comments on the management of the company. Motions cannot be raised from the floor, st any Member motions must be submitted to the Registrar in writing before 1 August 2016 along with detailed submissions and explanations. As per Rule 42 of the QJA Constitution members who cannot attend the meeting have the right to vote by proxy on all motions except appointment of directors to the board (directors are elected every two years by ballot only). Valid proxies must be completed on the prescribed Proxy form distributed in the Journal, available on the QJA website and from State Office upon request. As per Rule 48 of the Constitution, proxies must be delivered to QJA State Office not less than 48 hours prior to the meeting i.e. by 4.30pm, Thursday 27th October, 2016. NOTE: All reports have been published in the QJA Journal and on the QJA Website. Copies of reports are available in hard copy by contacting the State office.
Queensland Justices Association PROXY FORM
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 29th October 2016
I (please print) _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Of (Address) _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ QJA Member Number ______________________being a financial member of the Queensland Justices Association, hereby appoint:
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The Chairman of the Meeting (please tick)
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OR
Print here the name of the person you appoint as your proxy _______________________________________________ NOTE; A proxy must be a financial member of the QJA.
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The person so named (or if no person is named, the Chairman of the Meeting) is appointed as my proxy to attend and vote on my behalf at the 2016 annual General Meeting of the Queensland Justices Association and at any adjournment thereof. If you wish to direct your proxy how to vote please complete the following: Motion 1: That the minutes of the 2015 annual General Meeting of the Queensland Justices Association, held at St Columban’s College, 100 McKean Street, Caboolture, on 7 November 2015 and published in the Summer 2015 edition of the QJA Journal, be confirmed as a correct record.
For:☐
Against:☐
Abstain:☐
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Against:☐
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For:☐
Against:☐
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Motion 2: That the President’s Report be received.
Motion 3: That the Directors’ Report be received.
Motion 4: That the Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2016, as set out in the Annual Report, be adopted.
Motion 5: The Constitution be amended to reduce the number of Vice Presidents from two to one.
Motion 6: The Constitution be amended to elect by popular vote all Board Members and to appoint the President and Vice President by Collegiate vote from within the elected Board.
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*If you mark the abstain box you are directing your proxy not to vote on your behalf on a show of hands or on a poll in relation to that resolution and your vote will not be counted in calculating the required majority on a poll. For each motion only mark one box. Motions that include more than one selection will be invalid and not counted. If you do not mark any of the boxes, your proxy may vote as he or she chooses in relation to that motion. SIGNATURE OF MEMBER – THIS SECTION MUST BE COMPLETED
QJA Member
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LODGEMENT OF PROXY By hand to: 751 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba, 4102 By mail to - QJA, PO Box 8419, Woolloongabba 4102 By fax to - 07 3392 2955 Or scan and email to – admin@qja.com.au
To be effective this Proxy Form must be lodged BY NO LATER THAN 4.30pm on THURSDAY 27th OCTOBER, 2016.
VOLUME 13 • NUMBER 2 • WINTER 2016
QJA SURVEY RESULTS Overall satisfaction Members were asked their overall feeling about their QJA membership and more than 80% of members responded that they strongly agree or somewhat agree that everything is okay with the organisation.
All respondents (including the 9% who disagreed or strongly disagreed that everything is okay) were asked to provide feedback on what QJA can do better (see below). What does QJA do well? Members were given a menu of 14 functions and were asked to indicate those that QJA performs best. The top five responses were: 1. Keep members up to date 35% 2. Member support 14% 3. Training & PD 13% 4. Communication 12% 5. News and Publications 10% Some noteworthy comments were: • Journal is very informative and the additional monthly newsletter is a good idea • Quality of communication with members overall is at a high level • Friendly staff – excellent service • QJA is improving dramatically – thank you • Communication and services are much better – well done What can QJA do better? Of the 23 options suggested to members, the top 5 responses were: 1. Nothing / no comment 51% 2. Training & PD 10% 3. Communication 8% 4. Workshops / Events 5% 5. Resources & Technology 5% Some noteworthy comments/suggestions were: • More regular communications by email. Short, informative posts about JP duties and changes/developments. Reminders about practices.
• Assist country members with training workshops etc. so we are not having to travel hundreds of kilometres for just a one or two-hour session • My only reason for being a member is to be a better JP. I think QJA sometimes gets too far into a “social club” mindset which to me is a waste of time. There are plenty of other providers of that kind of camaraderie / relationships • Maybe a “buddy” system for new JPs. This is the hardest time for a JP. • Would like to see training done at a local branch level on subjects of individual weakness (survey first for knowledge) and training times are available for those who work • Make the training and PD website more user friendly • Engagement of younger JPs (Gen Y / Millennials) could be stronger (this could be things like stronger social media / digital engagement / ‘young JP’ forum, etc.) • Keep in mind we are all doing different levels of activity. Not all of us are at a shopping centre once a week meeting every challenge with familiarity. Resources and Technology More than half the respondents had used the QJA Member Resources website when there was something specific they needed (27%) or to use the Member Resources (QJA Guide/ updates, tools, news updates etc. - 39%). Respondents who were unaware of the existence of the resources available on this website totalled 46%. Some noteworthy comments were: • The current website arrangements are too cumbersome to access (two different log-ins?) and it’s not organised in a way I can figure out • Trouble connecting, accessing information. I’m a reasonably experienced “user” and the system is frustratingly “clunky”. QJA Journal More than 96% of respondents had read the Journal and were satisfied with the content, this being an improvement over the 2011 result (90%). The most popular section of the Journal was Q&A. QJA Conference About one quarter (25%) of members had attended State Conference. Respondents As indicated on page 1, there was an extremely high participation rate in this year’s survey – an outcome with which we are justifiably proud. The average age of respondents was skewed towards the older demographic (51-70 years - 59%) and the length of membership was skewed towards the recent joiners (0-5 years – 36%). Summation Overall, the results are satisfying and confirm QJA is generally on the path expected by members. Thank you to all who participated and particularly those who provided positive, constructive feedback. This gives the Board some guidance for the areas in which continuous improvement initiatives should be directed. Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
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PERSONAL PROFILE – LISETTE DILLON Lisette is the Secretary of the QJA Hornibrook Branch, a position she has held since 2014. The Hornibrook Branch encompasses the bay-side communities immediately to the north-east of metropolitan Brisbane (predominantly the cluster of suburbs surrounding Redcliffe and Sandgate at either end of the twin 2.74 kilometre concrete viaducts [the Ted Smout Memorial Bridge and the Houghton Highway] which span Bramble Bay at the estuaries of the North and South Pine Rivers). The original timber bridge over these waters was known as the Hornibrook Highway [1935-1979] – thus the Branch’s unique name reflecting the union of these two community clusters. Born in the New England Tablelands of New South Wales near Glen Innes, Lisette spent her childhood and schooling on farmland in this rural enclave where her abiding interests were horse-riding, nature, art and cooking. After leaving high school, Lisette was motivated to become an educator so she trained as a primary school teacher and spent much of her early career dedicated to the classroom. In addition, she was able to also satisfy her passion for food and cooking by successfully running a restaurant (chef, manager and bookkeeper) in Armidale for five years - whilst still being available for supply teaching (as allowed by the demands of the restaurant work). In the mid-1980s, Lisette and her family (husband Tim and three young sons) made the journey over the border to a mixed farming property in the Goondiwindi district. As well as supporting her family on the farm, Lisette continued to do part-time teaching work in the New South Wales border schools around nearby Boggabilla. After eight years on the farm, the family moved to Toowoomba where they were based for the ensuing fifteen years. Whilst in Toowoomba, Lisette completed her Masters of Education and became a lecturer and tutor in education at the University of Southern Queensland. With an interest in research, she then commenced her PhD studies in education at the Kelvin Grove campus of the Queensland University of Technology (the doctorate being completed in 2010, the same year she moved to Redcliffe). After completing her doctorate, Lisette decided to travel for a few years before devoting herself to voluntary work which has been her primary focus for the last 3 years. An experience of jury service at the Brisbane Courts where she saw first-hand the confronting and unfamiliar environment that the courtroom presents to those called to give evidence at trials sparked an interest in joining the Victim Support Unit that had just been successfully trialled. The VSU aims to prepare the victims of crime for the ordeal of a court appearance. Having successfully undergone intensive training with the Victims Support Unit, Lisette is now an accredited volunteer for this group and regularly travels to Brisbane city to assist with victim impact statements and to accompany victims for their court appearances. As well, she is a Mock Trial 6
Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
Witness volunteer for the Bar Association program that prepares trainees in prosecution and defence for their days in the courtroom. Of course, on top of all this, Lisette volunteers as a JP at the Redcliffe Magistrates Court and in the Registry of the Family Law Court in Brisbane – as well as performing the role of Secretary of the QJA Hornibrook Branch. After completing a QJA pre-appointment training program (under trainer Ron Court) in 2012, Lisette became a JP(Qual) in early 2013 and started to attend the Hornibrook Branch meetings. When the Branch Secretary position became vacant at the 2013 AGM, Lisette agreed to accept the role. Since assuming this position, Lisette’s goal (in conjunction with fellow Branch Executive Committee members – Sean Andrew Smith [Chair], Erich Jeffrey [Treasurer], Robyn Francis [Events], and Leif Pedersen [Grants]) - has been to improve communication and to encourage a sense of shared purpose amongst members. This involves facilitation of networking opportunities and showing the value of QJA and Branch membership. The strategy adopted by the Hornibrook Executive to achieve these goals is to incorporate professional development in their monthly Branch Meetings and to encourage JP volunteers at the several signing facilities within their community to participate in informal networking opportunities via coffee gatherings and excursions to informative sites like the Customs Unit at Brisbane Airport, State Parliament House and the Brisbane Courts Complex. Hornibrook also collaborates with neighbouring Caboolture Branch to host joint professional development workshops. As well, the Branch promotes itself (and the QJA brand) within its area by actively engaging with its community (via participation and interaction with other community volunteer groups) in events like the Bunnings’ Sausage Sizzle program and Local Council organised Community Event Days where the Branch banner and other QJA paraphernalia are displayed prominently by proud Branch members. Now that Lisette’s three sons are adults pursuing their own careers (two in Information Technology and the other in Environmental Science), she is a committed and enthusiastic volunteer. QJA (via the Hornibrook Branch) is just one of the fortunate beneficiaries of her lifetime experience and technical expertise. Recently, Lisette and Tim became very proud first-time grandparents and in their spare time, they are active members of BBW (Brisbane Bushwalkers), enjoying treks together locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. John Carpendale, Editor
VOLUME 13 • NUMBER 2 • WINTER 2016
PERSONAL PROFILE – MARGARET MARY PEEL Margaret Peel DSc, PhD, became a JP (Qual) in 2007 after retiring from a distinguished career as a scientist and academic in the discipline of microbiology. Her post-employment foray into justice administration allowed her to follow in the footsteps of her late father, Percy Desmond Peel, who was a Queensland State Coroner, Magistrate and Legal Aid Lawyer (and Justice of the Peace). The Margaret Peel story begins with her birth in Kingaroy – the town where her dad happened to be the appointed to deal with legal matters at the time. One of five siblings (each of whom was born in a different Queensland regional town), Margaret’s childhood and schooling featured the regular movement from one centre to another. She attended seven different primary schools and three different high schools. Her first job after completing high school (as a border at All Hallows’ School in Brisbane) was as a trainee medical laboratory scientist in the pathology laboratory of the Mater Public Hospital. On completion of a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science, she elected to undertake a full-time University of Queensland Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Microbiology. On graduating, Margaret was appointed as the inaugural Lecturer in Microbiology at the Queensland Institute of Technology (QIT – now QUT), a post she held for six years. Then, seeking post-graduate qualifications, Margaret travelled to London to undertake the Academic Postgraduate Diploma in Bacteriology at London University. She then embarked on a PhD within that University’s Faculty of Medicine on the award of a Fellowship from Graduate Women Queensland. Her four years in London were amongst the most enjoyable and rewarding times she remembers. To this day, she remains close friends with several associates from that time who are now dispersed to all corners of the globe. Margaret then moved to Melbourne for appointment to the staff of the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory at the University of Melbourne. She also gave lectures in microbiology at that institution and at the Swinburne University of Technology. After 24 years, she retired from her position of Principal Scientist in 2000 at which time she returned to Brisbane. Once settled back in her home State, Margaret – always a busy person - immersed herself in several volunteering roles that have been a source of great satisfaction and reward. She also submitted a thesis of her career publications in medical microbiology that gained her the award of a Doctor of Science (DSc) from the University of Queensland in 2009. When the Brisbane North Branch of the QJA (then called Inner North Brisbane) advertised for students to attend a pre-appointment JP training program in 2007, Margaret decided to apply. The legacy of her father’s career in justice administration and her knowledge of the personal difficulties faced by some of her family and associates in finding a JP when they needed one was the incentive for
Margaret to enrol. Under the tutorage of the then-Chair of the Brisbane North Branch (Anna Shiraze-Kinght), Margaret completed the course and was duly sworn in as a JP (Qual). She immediately made herself available as a volunteer in the shopping centre rosters coordinated by that Branch and has been a regular inclusion ever since. Whilst attending primary school in Mareeba in 1951, Margaret contracted poliomyelitis and spent nine months as an inpatient at Cairns Base Hospital. Her schooling was uninterrupted (the daily hospital routine for the children with poliomyelitis included regular schoolwork); and, after discharge, her life returned to virtual normality. She had a slight limp but her general health was otherwise unaffected by the ordeal. Her childhood polio experience had no adverse impact on her schoolwork, her academic achievements or her capacity to be effective in the workplace. If anything, it left Margaret with a burning desire for self-improvement and the pursuit of scientific excellence--until 1998. Some 47 years after acute poliomyelitis (and with only minor incapacity in the interim), Post Polio Syndrome (PPS) then imposed itself on Margaret’s life. For the final couple of years of her time at the University of Melbourne, she endured the progressively worsening symptoms of general fatigue, debilitating muscle weakness and joint pain. Eventually, the impacts became too severe for her to continue in full-time employment and forced an early retirement decision. Since the onset of PPS, Margaret’s mobility has become increasingly limited and she is now totally reliant on wheeled walking aids to get from one place to another but this has not inhibited her passion for active involvement in as many activities as she can manage – albeit at a considerably reduced pace. In addition to her regular JP volunteering, Margaret participates in several community organisations. She is a member (and former executive office holder) of Graduate Women Queensland, a member (and former secretary) of the Brisbane Post Polio Network, one of two Queensland representatives on the Board of Polio Australia, a member of the Moreton Bay Spinal Injuries Network, a member of the Northern Suburbs Bridge Club, a member of the Queensland Cake Decorators Association (her creative outlet) and the Peninsula and District Branch representative on the State Council of that Association. Her personal interests are family (she is Aunty Margaret to fifteen nephews and nieces), career friends and associates (from Brisbane, London and Melbourne), bridge, cake decorating and singing. As a backroom scientist for much of her career, she now derives considerable satisfaction and enjoyment from the face-to-face interaction with the community provided by her role as a volunteer JP. Margaret is another example of the vast diversity within the ranks of honorary justices and the QJA membership. John Carpendale, Editor Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
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ABOUT REFUGEES Working with and understanding Refugees
In Australia’s increasingly multi-cultural society, witnessing officers can expect to encounter clients from many different backgrounds. To effectively manage the processing of documents for migrant and refugee clients, it is important to have a general understanding of the associated cultural sensitivities. This is particularly the case in relation to those people who are only relatively recent arrivals in our country. In this issue, we focus on the somewhat unique issues for those clients who are resident in Australia as a result of being refugees from their country of origin. Much of the following information is taken from a workshop presented by Gail Hyslop of MDA Ltd (Multicultural Queensland) which was attended by QJA Business Manager and Registrar, Wendy La Macchia. The decade commencing with 2010 will forever be remembered as the decade of the refugee. Never before has the world experienced such vast numbers of displaced persons around the world. At the beginning of 2015, it was estimated that 60 million people in the world were displaced and without a permanent home. In order to effectively work with and deal with refugees in our community, we need first to understand the current situation for refugees in Australia. What is a refugee? A refugee is a person who is participating in forced migration; i.e. is moving from one country to another out of necessity. The catalyst for forced migration may be: • war or civil unrest • persecution • economic hardship • environmental degradation There may be some elements of choice but there is a compulsion to move. In determining if someone is a refugee, there are four elements to consider: 1. a fear of persecution 2. persecution is based on race, religion, ethnicity, social or political membership 3. outside their country of origin 4. unwilling to return to that country What rights do refugees have? • Not to be sent back to a country in which their life or freedom would be in danger
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Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
• To receive public relief and welfare support at the same level as nationals • Access to education and health care • To work • To be issued with identity papers and travel documents Over many decades, Australia, like most other advanced economies, has accepted a considerable number of refugees from various trouble-spots throughout the world. Within our communities today, there are large numbers of relatively recent refugee arrivals as well as those who have been here for some time. Each is undergoing their own journey to become an integral part of their new community. The Journey as a Refugee Why they leave Whilst no two stories for refugees are the same, there are commonalities. The decision to leave starts in places where there is daily trauma and violence, imprisonment, torture, rape and murder. People see their loved ones subjected to these ordeals. They themselves are in danger of imprisonment and death. They go to sleep at night not knowing for certain that they will wake up as they hear bombs and gunshots pierce the night. There is no normal daily life. Parents keep children home from school in fear that they will die there or on the journey there. Basic systems break down – the supply of transport, food, electricity and medical care become erratic and scarce. Employment becomes more difficult to maintain. The departure The decision to leave often means leaving behind family, friends and familiarity. For most, it means walking for days, weeks and months with only the things they can carry. Some have the means to buy plane tickets, others buy a boat passage. The elderly, disabled and children are sometimes left behind as it can be a treacherous journey. No matter how difficult the journey, the refugees know they have to make it to a neighbouring country. First Asylum There are many UNHCR camps based around countries known to have numbers of refugees in flight. There are 15 million people in such camps. Accommodation is in tents, food is scarce and water and services are provided by the UN and funded by governments around the world. There are no schools and medical care is limited and stretched. These camps are meant to be temporary; however people can live in some camps for 20 years. Many children are born here – some are now teenagers.
VOLUME 13 • NUMBER 2 • WINTER 2016 Life in the camps is not safe. When workers go home of an evening, gangs of camp residents (or from outside) invade. Women may be raped, young boys kidnapped and taken to join rebel gangs. Instead of seeking asylum in refugee camps, others make the treacherous journey by boat and some don’t survive. Those who do may not be granted refugee status and be returned to the very country from which they fled. The results For those people granted refugee status there are significant consequences – emotional, personal and social. Their lives as refugees result in disrupted employment and education, poor health, loss of family, cultural and social integrity is undermined and social structures collapsed. They live with fear, anxiety, distrust shame and guilt. Many are grieving for lost loved ones. Refugees have to learn to adjust, become independent and adapt to new and foreign (to them) ways of life. There are many good government-funded programs to deal with resettlement, support and counselling. But not all refugees can partake of those programs designed to integrate them into society. Those on bridging visas are not entitled to work, receive benefits, education or health care and rely on community or church-funded services and volunteers. Social change and Working with Migrants/Refugees We need to understand that there may be cultural and social differences when dealing with migrants and refugees. In some cultures, family roles are significantly different to ours. For example, man’s role as head of the family – breadwinner, decision-maker and spokesperson - may be an entrenched norm. This may mean when several family members present as clients, the man is the sole spokesperson. Where our procedures require direct interaction with other family members, it is important to act with respect and sensitivity by explaining our requirement and seeking permission from the family spokesperson to speak directly to others. Children may be asked by family to act as interpreters – which empowers them in the family like never before. In dealing with migrant or refugee families, it is not advisable to use children as interpreters. There may be matters in the conversation which they may not understand or with which they should not be involved. If an interpreter is needed, seek the assistance of a properly accredited, independent person (the Australian Government’s Translating and Interpreting Service offers a free interpreter service – phone 131 450). Place the interpreter under oath/affirmation and note your logbook accordingly. Allow time for people to process instructions and information and repeat back where possible – avoid private discussions with the interpreter. In Australia we have strong law enforcement. In many countries from which migrants and refugees come, this is not the case. There can be fear of police and authority – including those performing the role of honorary justice. Their prior experience may even lead them to believe they need to offer inducements to have their documents processed. Of course, you need to resist but in a respectful way. You should exercise empathy, respect patience and impartiality. Be sensitive to the cultural differences in greetings, food and clothing. Speak clearly and without colloquialisms.
Beef up your knowledge in Capricornia
QJA ANNUAL STATE CONFERENCE 29TH OCTOBER 2016 ROCKHAMPTON LEAGUES CLUB CAMBRIDGE STREET, ROCKHAMPTON The Annual Conference is held in a different centre in Queensland each year: this is the 23rd year of the conference. Conference sessions will vary from the delivery of various topics by experienced presenters who interact every day with JPs and C.Decs as they deliver justice services to the public, government departments and private business operators, to information sessions relevant to law enforcement and current administration of the vast number of qualified JPs and C.Decs in the state. The theme for the conference is: Beef up your knowledge in Capricornia The Rockhampton Branch of the QJA has the support of the Rockhampton Regional Council and the Rockhampton Leagues Club in presenting this conference for the benefit of members and non-members and will welcome all interested persons to the Conference Dinner. You can look forward to Guest Speakers, scenarios, exercises and panel questions. Register online at www.qja.com.au or complete the hard copy form included as an insert with this Journal. See you in Rockhampton!
FREEMASONS QUEENSLAND IS PART OF A CENTURIES-OLD TRADITION OF HELPING MEN BECOME THE BEST THEY CAN BE
Become a Freemason and make more of life If you would like to find out more about Freemasons Queensland, have any further questions or would like more information on any related topic, please contact us.
United Grand Lodge of Queensland Masonic Memorial Centre, 311 Ann Street Brisbane GPO Box 2204, Brisbane Q 4001 Phone (07) 3229 3533 www.uglq.org.au
Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
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QJA 2016 STATE CONFERENCE ROCKHAMPTON
Rockhampton Leagues Club, Cnr George & Cambridge Streets, Rockhampton 29th October 2016 Beef up your knowledge in Capricornia
PARTICIPANT DETAILS Attendee 1
Attendee 2
Name: QJA Member NO: Address:
E-Mail Contact Phone Any special dietary or physical requirements?
Event Options Item
Cost
State Conference 29th October Member
$45.00
State Conference 29th October Non Member
$50.00
Welcome Dinner 28th October
Pay on night
Meet, Eat and Greet in the Bistro Scenic Tour for Partners not attending conference (does not include refreshments or lunch)
$20.00
Conference Dinner 29th October – Non Member
$45.00
Conference Dinner 29th October – Members
$40.00
TOTAL
Qty
$
$
PAYMENT INFORMATION-(Please tick payment method) CHEQUE CREDIT CARD Cardholder's name:
I have enclosed a Cheque CARD NO ______/______/_______/______ EXPIRY ______/_______
DIRECT DEBIT Please include your member number as a reference
CCV________
BSB 064-184 A/C 10889197 Qld Justices Association
Do you have a Question for consideration? Please email rockhampton@qja.com.au Don’t forget to bring your “Guide to JP Practice in Queensland” Available for purchase online or at the conference
POSTAL ADDRESS: Queensland Justices Association, PO Box 8419, WOOLLOONGABBA QLD 4102
NEWS IN BRIEF QJA News To supplement the quarterly QJA Journal, we now provide members with a monthly electronic newsletter called the QJA News. In the first edition (April 2016), readers were informed about Upcoming Events, Merchandise News, Breaking News (Changes to the Mental Health Act) a reminder about the closing date for the QJA Survey, A Lighter Side article (by Wendy La Macchia) and a summary of Statutory declarations procedures. The May edition also contained news on Upcoming Events and Merchandise as well as a detailed paper examining the QJA Survey Results, a summary of Affidavit procedures and another Lighter Side article from Wendy. Mental Health Act Amendments As reported in the April edition of QJA News, the existing provisions of the Mental Health Act 2000 are being changed. As per the Queensland Health website: “State Parliament passed the Mental Health Act 2016 on 18 February 2016. The Act has not yet taken effect. The Department of Health is aiming for it to commence in November 2016, with the actual date a matter for Government consideration. The commencement date will be announced once it has been set, so you have time to prepare. Until then, the current Act, the Mental Health Act 2000, remains in place”. Division 2 of the 2000 Act (Sections 27-32) empowers JPs to issue Justices Examination Orders (JEOs). Under the 2016 Act (once commenced), JEOs will cease to exist and will be replaced by an “Examination Authority” process in which the applicant must be an administrator of an authorised mental health service, the administrator’s delegate or a person who has received clinical advice from a doctor or authorised mental health practitioner. Under the new arrangements, there will be no role for JPs. You will be informed when the new arrangements come into effect. In the meantime, try the quiz on page13. QCAT JP Trial Update The provisions in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 enabling JPs to hear matters before QCAT were to expire on 13 May 2016. No decision has yet been made on the future of the JP initiative. To enable JPs to continue hearing matters while a decision is reached, amendments were passed through Parliament to extend the expiry period of the trial until 13 November 2016. As soon as a decision is made on the future of the QCAT trial, we will let you know. Franke Centenary of Combined QJA Memberships We recently received the following message (and photo) from former QJA Director Garry Franke: My father E.L. Franke JP, Life member of the QJA has of the 3/3/2016 been a continuous member of the QJA for 60 years. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace for Qld. on the 2/2/1956. That’s a whole 60 years of continuous voluntary service, and add to that I myself , being gazetted on the 16/11/1974 as a Justice of the Peace for Qld. became a member of the QJA on 12/12/1974 and also life member of the association. Therefore as a father, son connection we have amassed over 100 years of continuous service, both as JPs 10
Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
and as members of the association.
Garry (L) and E.L. (R), pictured with Shadow Minister for Police, Fire, Emergency Services and Corrective Services, Jarrod Bleijie MP
JP Bulletin Issue 10 of the Justice Department’s electronic JP Bulletin was distributed in April 2016. The content included information on Peace and Good Behaviour (PAGB) Orders which, for the benefit of those QJA members who do not receive the JP Branch electronic communications, is summarised hereunder: Under Section 4(2A) of the Peace and Good Behaviour Act 1982, a JP(Qual) who has reviewed a PAGB Complaint (Form 1) and is satisfied the complainant has been subjected to relevant threatening behaviour and is genuinely in fear the perpetrator will carry out the threat, is authorised to issue a summons (for the perpetrator to appear in Court) or a warrant (to apprehend the perpetrator for a Court appearance). What type of threats are considered relevant? a) to assault or do any bodily injury to the complainant or person under the care of the complainant; or b) to procure another person to perform such an assault, or c) to destroy or damage the complainant’s property; or d) to procure another person to perform such destruction How should a JP process an application? To issue an order, the JP must be satisfied both the threat and the fear are genuine. Section 5 of the Act authorises the JP to make further enquiries or request further evidence to substantiate the complainant’s application. In order to issue a summons, the JP will need to contact the nearest Magistrate’s Court to arrange a mention date. What if you are not satisfied? You must not witness the complaint or issue a summons (Form 2). Section 4(2) of the Act states you must, as soon as practicable, make a note on the document that the matter has not been substantiated or that the complainant is not in genuine fear. You are also required to send a copy of the complaint to the relevant Magistrate’s Court. If you consider the matter would be better resolved outside of Court proceedings, you can refer the complainant to a Dispute Resolution Centre for mediation. The full JP Bulletin article may be accessed at: h t t p : / / w w w. v i s i o n 6 . c o m . a u / e m / m e s s a g e / e m a i l / view?a=55582&id=1182944
VOLUME 13 • NUMBER 2 • WINTER 2016
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 Board wishes to acknowledge the long service given by the following Members.
40 Years QJA Membership William Bauer
Jean Brailey
Thelma Graham
Glenn Powell
25 Years QJA Membership Jennifer Bunting Terrance Casey Ronald Clark Andrew Clews Matina Comino Alan Davison Barbara Ferguson Devin Flor
Lucia Forman Larry Geddes Wendy Gilbert Jacqueline Harrison Peter Heise-Pavlov Brian Hodder William Huskisson Margaret Jones
Rodney Kamholtz Vivian Kitt Russell Laird Alwyn Langley Christine Laws Shelley Leo Valerie Marlow Valerie Matthews
Geoffrey McGrath Dorothy McKechnie Kaylene Moore Allan Oglesby Athol Osborne Florence Payne Donald Poole Denis Praed
Dorothy Pratt Rann Rosario Raiti Graham Rohde Mavis Roos Andrej Skalina Rowan Slect Mark Strange Elva Wright
Welcome to New Members The following have joined the QJA since the last Journal: Adele Acton Hayley Allen Tyrone Andrews Shane Astwood Sherrie Atkinson Amberene Baker Gayle Baldwin Catherine Ball Erin Banks Susan Barnwell Tiffany Bauer Alison Baxter Christine Beard Carissa Beddows Kerin Beer Cassandra Bell Rene Bernaldez Beverly Bickhoff Carolyn Boaler Aidan Booth Avalon Boyce Michael Boyd Brett Boyes Karen Bradford David Brady Caitlin Breen Lisa Brennan Linda Bretherton Anthony Bruce Sharon Byrne Courtney Cain Mei-Lan Cameron Amanda Camilleri Simeon Caraoutzadis Robert Chambers Mark Jimmy Chee Yin Sing Girish Rokka Chettri Jessica Ciottariello Donna Cobbo Bronwyn Coe Joanne Cooper Aaron Cormack Peter Corta Bronwyn Costello Doreen Couchman Bruce Cousar Elizabeth Covell Alyce Cover Jayde Cox Mark Coxhead Sarah Coyne
Sunshine Craig Ian Creed Thomas Dagan Liam Davey Melynda Davies-Steer Evette Deconinck Samantha Delmege Melina Demertzis Craig Dickson Eujeanne Dillon Helen Joyce Dixon Robyn Donovan Jessica Donovan Kristin Dossetto Courtney Downing Kayla Doyle Catherine Dunk-Adams Nicholas Dunne Royce Duxbury Lucy Dyer Ruth Edwards Melissa Ellwood Dennis Esdale Gary Ewart Cory Exelby Edith Fearon Benjamin Feldman Emily Ferguson Lloyd Finnis Belinda Fisk Amber Foster Dale Francis Justin French Mieczyslaw Furst Jason Garcia Annette Gardner Emily Geary Geoffery Gibbons Paul Gillies Catherine Gilliland Chris Gilmour Peter Glazebrook Richard Graham Evanna Grant Heather Grantz Shaine Green Robert Gueridge Valissa Hale Janine Hall Darryl Hamilton Lenore Hanks
Darci Hanna Annette Hanson Colin Harris Jan Harvey Fiona Hayes Donna Heilmann Laura Heness Michele Hicks Mariah Hipper Siu Wah Ho Andrew Hohnke Cintia Hoi Ming-Jung Hsieh Yifan Huang Anne Humphries Phoebe Chih-Yu Hunt Angie Hunter Donna James Liz Jamieson Fiona Jarrett Alex Jemison Susan Jenkinson Dale Johnson Roslyn Johnson Caroline Kaye Angela Kent Julia Keogh Tarniah Kerr Gregory Khan Cheryl Kidd Karlene Kilgour Alicia Kimball-Owen Jessica Kimberley Damien Kirby Michael Klisanin Joanne Knight Raymond Ko Heidi Lange Susan Latham Georgia Lawless Noela Lee Anthony Letizia Jamie Letts Jodie Levey Anthony Lewis Anne Li Jessica Lonergan Daryn Loo Gayle Loveridge Sharon Lovett Andrew Luke
James Lynch Shona MacDonald Anne Mackay-Lewis Alexandra Maclean John Major Thomas Malley Kathryn Manganaro Lee-Anne Mann Deborah Mann Jaak Mardiste Sarah Marsden Chantelle Martin Dana Martin Susan Martini Eden Maynard Jan-Maree McClure Lisa McCulloch Natasha McCullough Sarah McDonald Katrina McDonald Ian McIntosh Natalie McIver Hayley McLeod Lauren McQuade Donna McRae Victoria Mercer Sandra Michel Gary Midgley Garry Miller Katrina Moore Guy Morgan Joshua Morton John Moushall Temujain Movva Dan Mu Dianne Mulder Rochelle Newton Roxanne Neylon Quirinus Nienhuis Monica Nightingale Tonia Norris Sabina Nowak Candice Nurzynski Jenna O’Donnell Mona Oliver Patrick Olm Kim O’Regan Ron Paauwe Krista Paterson Shireen Patterson Cindy Pepperdene
Dilini Perera Nathan Perkins Caroline Petersen Debra Pillar Barbara Pridham Katina Rablin Jonathan Rea Kim Redstall Suzanne Reiche Alex Reichmann Madison Reid Katherine Reynolds Celia Richards Lindy Richardson John Ringelstein Kara Rivera Allan Rodrigues Paul Rogerson Mario Romeo Madison Rose Kendell Ross Adele Roulston Melinda Russell Shane Salmon Renee Sapsford Molly Saunders Carmen Sauvage Samantha Schulte Sara Scott Sherrie Screen Lauren Seeley Michelle Serafim Luke Serhan Junjie Sha Semone Shea Dennis Sheehan Lou Shipway Carol-Ann Silson Annette Silva Margaret Simons Ritsuko Simpson Susan Slatyer Susan Marie Smith Rohan Smith Debra Smith Kerri Smith Nicole Smith Shireen Smith Megan Somes Christopher Stanford Julianne Steer
Anna Steffensen Naomi Stekelenburg Shannon Stelfox Debra Stevens Robert Stewart Marion Studt Caleb Sturdee Ernest Swainson Jennifer Taylor Lesley Taylor Mitchell Taylor Edward Teo Peter Tereschenko Samara Thompson Samantha Tiegs Robyne Togia Russell Tomkins Linda Tracy Jasmine Tran Sandi Tran Kerry Treleaven Kathryn Vale Michelle van Wezel Preena Vanmali Phuoc Vien Cecily Wake Aaron Wakem Brooke Wanless Carol Ward Madeline Ward Amanda Webb Sandra Weller Cody Wenck Ronald White Belinda Whitehead Danielle Wildermuth Calvin Wong Christopher Woodhouse Neil Wysling Emma Yeoman Ronald Yock Jennifer Young Nardiea Zablocki Lianle Zhang Stewart Zimmermann
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Q&A Q1 I was recently asked to certify the copies of some identity documents for a person making application to open an online account with a New Zealand-based financial institution. The accompanying notes from the financial institution instructed the certifying officer to not only certify the copy was a true copy of the original but to also state the photographic image was “a true likeness of the named individual”. What are the implications of this additional requirement? At face value, asking for this addition to the normal certification might seem a benign request. However, it is important to understand the associated context. In essence, the NZ financial institution is expecting you to perform their legislative obligation to verify their own client’s identity, in much the same way as some Australian financial institutions request witnessing officers to complete a Witness Certificate (to verify the identity of their online clients). As explained in JAG Technical Bulletin 04/10 (concerning Mortgage Witness Certificates), there is no legislative authority to compel honorary justices to accept responsibility for the identification of clients on behalf of financial institutions (which have their own obligations in this regard under their governing legislation). In the past, QJA has also sought its own legal advice which confirmed this very point and suggests members should decline to perform a task that implies a delegation to the certifying officer of the financial institution’s responsibility for identifying its own client. In our view, honorary justices should decline to perform this task and refer the person to someone who is paid (and has indemnity insurance) to verify identities. We are aware of a private company (in the Verification of Identity business), which is in the process of recruiting people to undergo extensive training to perform such a role and has indicated that honorary justices might be appropriate recruits. If an honorary justice were to accept a position with this company, it would be entirely separate to and distinct from their role as a JP or C.Dec. In contrast, the certification by an honorary justice that a passport-size photo is a true image of an applicant for a pilots’ or plumbers’ licence (or the like), is considered a risk-free procedure akin to certifying a true copy, as the licence issuer is not inferring a verification-of-identity role on the certifier. Q2 Is a Queensland Enduring Power of Attorney and/or Advance Health Directive still valid if the principal moves interstate? A2 Whilst this is more a legal question than an honorary justice matter, it may be a question asked of a witnessing officer by a principal at the time of signing and witnessing officers should know the answer. According to the Public Trustee call centre, there are reciprocal arrangements in place so that, in principal, each State recognises the legitimacy of enduring documents made in other jurisdictions. For example, under the Queensland Powers of Attorney Act 1998, interstate Enduring Powers
A1
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Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
of Attorney (section 34) and Advance Health Directives (section 40) are treated as though they were made under Queensland legislation. Other States have similar provisions in their relevant legislation. However the legislation in each jurisdiction is subtly different to others and the extent to which Queensland enduring documents are recognised interstate needs to be checked on a case by case basis with the relevant interstate authorities. Q3 Is an attorney appointed under an EPA empowered to complete, on behalf of the principal, an Advanced Health Directive in circumstances where the principal no longer has capacity? A3 Section 42 of the Powers of Attorney Act 1998 specifies the understanding a principal must have to be entitled to make an advance health directive (AHD). In summary, the principal must have the capacity to comprehend all the issues associated with the selected directives. In the case you describe, the principal does not have this capacity and, whilst this is the case, an advance health directive for this person cannot be made. Further, the authority granted to an attorney by an enduring power of attorney does not extend to completing another enduring document (AHD or EPA) on behalf of the principal. Q4 Is an Enduring Power of Attorney invalidated in circumstances where one of multiple attorneys is no longer able to act (due to loss of capacity or death)? A4 Division 3 (sections 55 – 59A) of the Powers of Attorney Act 1998 covers this specific circumstance. An attorney’s power is revoked where an attorney: resigns (s.55); or has impaired capacity (s.56); or is declared bankrupt or insolvent (s.57); or dies (s.58); or becomes a paid carer or health provider (s.59); or becomes a provider of a residential service where the principal resides (s.59AA). Where there are multiple attorneys under the EPA, the remaining attorneys continue to be empowered so the overall instrument is not invalidated (s.59A). Q5 What should I do when the deponent for a statutory declaration presents an already-signed document? A5 In practice, this is not an uncommon occurrence. These forms generally do not include a warning at the head of the document to the effect that it should be signed only in the presence of an eligible witness. Accordingly, those people unfamiliar with completing statutory declarations often insert their signature before they read the subsequent lines for the witness to complete. There are several acceptable remedies. First, you should warn the deponent of the penalties applicable to the making of a false declaration. Once so warned, the deponent should verbally declare the content of their declaration is true and correct (or indicate their agreement with this statement if they are unable to verbalise). Then the deponent must sign again. Even if the pre-signed signature appears identical to the signature on the submitted identification documents, it is important the deponent re-sign. It is not good practice to accept solely the original signature.
VOLUME 13 • NUMBER 2 • WINTER 2016
Where the second signature is placed is a matter for individual discretion. Ideally, it should be inserted on the original declaration. In practice, however, the available space may be tight and experience has shown that receiving authorities (especially the Traffic Camera Office) tend to reject declarations where there is evidence of alterations or additions. To save spoiling the form, you may choose to have the deponent place this signature in another document like your log book (so you retain a record should the matter ever be called into question). At the end of the day, you must be satisfied the deponent understood your warning, made the appropriate declaration statement and then placed their signature in acknowledgement of both these matters. Providing your procedure achieves these objectives, you have adopted a sound practice. Q6 When reviewing Traffic Infringement Notices, what action should I take when the declaration is being made after the form’s pay-by due-date? A6 As with any Statutory Declaration, it is not the role of the JP or C.Dec to validate the content of the document. The role of the JP or C.Dec is to identify the Declarant, point out the penalties for making false and misleading declarations and administer the Declaration. In this particular case, it is a matter for the QPS Traffic Camera section to determine what action to take when the Statutory Declaration is lodged. As a courtesy, it is worthwhile recommending to the customer that they could contact the QPS Traffic Camera section and discuss with them their options if the fine is overdue. Q7 Employees at the local Post Office often charge for the service of certifying copies. Does this mean JP can now charge to certify copies? A7 In short - NO! Australia Post employees can certify true copies of documents as part of their job and can then charge for the service. But, the certification is by an Australia Post employee, NOT a JP (no JP seal, no Registration number) in the same way Teachers, Bank employees, CPA’s etc. can certify documents and sign Commonwealth Statutory Declarations. It is up to the receiving institution whether they accept that certification. If you were to charge to certify a document, then you would be breaking the law under the Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations Act 1991 (section 35(1)) which clearly states you may not seek or receive, directly or indirectly, any reward in connection with the performance of the functions of your office. Maximum penalty - 20 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year. Quick Quizzes The content of the QJA Member Content & Professional Development website (http://www.training.qja.com.au/) includes a large number of quizzes on honorary justice technical topics. You will need to use your QJA member number and password to assess this site. Once you have logged in, the navigation path is: QJA Member Content and Professional Development/ JP and C.Dec quizzes
Please answer True (T) or False (F) to the following: Affidavits Q1 An affidavit must be sworn under oath or affirmation. Q2 Any documents that are attached to the affidavit are known as annexures. Q3 The main features of an affidavit are outlined in the Affidavits Act 1999. Q4 Each page of an affidavit must be signed by both you and the deponent. Q5 An affidavit is prepared in third person. Q6 When witnessing an affidavit, the deponent must declare that the contents are true and correct to the best of their knowledge and belief. Q7 Any annexures or exhibits must be referred to in the body of an affidavit. Q8 An affidavit is a written statement used as evidence in court proceedings. Q9 Additional copies of Family Court affidavits must be certified as true copies. Q10 The addition of further evidence to a Family Law affidavit will mean that the document will need to be re-sworn. Justice Examination Orders Q1 A Justices Examination Order expires after 7 days. Q2 If the behaviour of a subject is likely to cause harm to somebody, the JP(Qual) should not issue a JEO, rather the matter should be referred to the police. Q3 If a JP(Qual) is unsure as to whether to issue a JEO, it would be entirely appropriate to postpone the interview with the applicant, in order to seek further advice from the subject’s doctor or a Mental Health Liaison Officer. Q4 A JEO application must be completed on the correct form. Q5 The Act that applies to Justices Examination Orders is the Mental Health Act 2000 (Qld). Q6 For a Justices Examination Order to be a legally binding document, it is necessary that the JP(Qual) clearly print his/her name on the order. Q7 As part of the JEO process, the applicant must fill out a statutory declaration and declare its truth before a JP(Qual). Q8 It is not necessary for a JP(Qual) to issue a Justices Examination Order if a doctor has examined the subject in the previous 3 days. Q9 With a Justices Examination Order, it is only necessary to scan the document, as you would with a statutory declaration, rather than read the document fully. Q10 By approving a JEO, a JP(Qual) is committing the subject to a mental institution. Answers:
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REGIONAL ROUNDUP Bowen
Gold Coast
The Bowen Branch has been active in promoting itself within its community as demonstrated in the following images of extracts from the Bowen Independent. The first article (dated 6 April 2016) featured Branch member Neil Bennetto being presented, by MLA for Burdekin, Dale Last with his Justice Department certificate celebrating 25 years of service as a Justice of the Peace. The second article (dated 29 April) commended the Branch for its April workshop and the service it provides to the local community. The following is a reproduction of this article’s content:
The Gold Coast Branch elected new committee members at the September 2015 AGM. After many years of dedicated service to the QJA in a variety of Executive positions, retiring Chair, Judie Novak, decided to pass on the baton to the new committee. Thanks to Judie and the other outgoing committee members for their commitment, dedication and tireless efforts.
LAW unto themselves BOWEN’S Justice of the Peace fraternity have taken part in a professional development workshop to learn how the Queensland Justices Association (QJA) can help support the Bowen branch’s volunteer Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations. QJA Bowen branch chairwoman Anne Maree Bligh said the group was pleased that a director of the QJA Mackay branch, Carmelo Pasquale, attended the workshop as guest speaker. “Those Justices of the Peace who attended were also able to raise other relevant topics for discussion. It was a very informative session and it enabled Mr Pasquale to familiarise himself with our branch members”, Ms Bligh said. “Our Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Declarations volunteer their services at Bowen Court House every day of the week, Monday to Friday, morning and afternoon. “They are a dedicated group and we’re proud we can offer this free service to the local community. “I encourage people to use the service and take advantage of having JPs at a convenient and central location,” she said. JPS are trained to witness and certify routine legal documents including wills, affidavits, statutory declarations and passport applications. JPs or Cdecs who would like to attend branch meetings should contact Anne Maree Bligh 0417 735 990.
The new committee sees some new and old faces. The newly elected Chair is John Bell, and newly elected Secretary is Joan Kennedy. The Treasurer, Helen Morrow, will continue in this role, and will be there to show us the ropes. Carol Drovandi, a recently sworn in JP was also elected as a committee member. The Committee aims to build on the achievements of the outgoing committee and fly the flag for the Gold Coast Branch members. Congratulations to all Committee members. The new Committee kicked off with a short member survey to find out what key issues and challenges members wanted to address in 2016. Members were asked if they regularly attended the Branch meetings, to list three (3) things that would encourage them to attend, and to list three (3) professional development topics for the Committee to address. There was also an opportunity to provide any other relevant comments and feedback. Twenty-five (25) members participated in the survey and in response to the members’ views, an action plan for 2016 has been developed. The Committee will endeavour to take on board recommendations about the meeting format, membership issues, and address some of the 21 professional development topics suggested. Gold Coast Branch is looking forward to hosting preappointment JP training in May/June. However, the trainers must be sourced from outside the Gold Coast Area. The Branch would be keen to engage with local members, who hold a Cert IV, and who are interested in becoming a QJA trainer. If this is you, please make contact, we need you! Joan Kennedy, Branch Secretary
Hornibrook
Bowen Court House registrar Robbyn Gee, Mikki Menzies, Ron Williams, Anne-Maree Bligh, Brian Byrne, Carmelo Pasquale, Julie Jurgens and Neil Bennetto
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Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
Hornibrook Branch members recently enjoyed a successful outing to Parliament House on April 19th organised by our very capable Events Officer, Robyn Francis. A group of 20 from Redcliffe and nearby suburbs attended Question Time where they witnessed some lively debate that included the bill to increase the number of Queensland politicians by four. Apparently the growth in population across the State has
VOLUME 13 • NUMBER 2 • WINTER 2016 raised issues of representation in some areas. Afterwards, we shared a very pleasant lunch at the nearby Deck on George where we were allocated an annexe with a large table that gave us an excellent opportunity for sharing our opinions and discussing the various ‘antics’ we had just seen. After lunch we were joined in the Parliamentary Annexe by the Attorney General who talked to us about her busy portfolio and the Youth Justice Bill she intends to soon put forward (and which was of special interest to some members of our group).
After morning tea Tim again used video to illustrate his talk. He spoke about his experiences as a Notary and reiterated that it is important for us to be very wary about handling international documents which are properly the business of Notaries. He showed us his very impressive Charter which was issued by the Archbishop of Canterbury who appoints Notaries. Keith Revell then led a session on Search warrants and gave us some exercises to solve. Questions on Notice were then handled by a panel. This was South Pine’s first attempt at hosting a refresher and we thank all who encouraged us and all who attended. Phyllis Hall, Workshop Committee Chair
Hervey Bay
Following our time with the Hon Yvette D’Ath, who thanked us very much for the valuable service that our JPs and C.Decs give to our communities, we were given a tour of the Red Room where we learned aspects of our State Parliamentary history that many of us confessed to having not known. Overall, it was a fun and informative outing where we mingled with members of the public and where our profile as active and involved JPs received high level recognition and an image boost. Lisette Dillon, Branch Secretary
To thank Phillip Payne (Pialba Place Shopping Centre) for his unstinting support of signing staff over many years, Hervey Bay Branch Chair Doug Hull (L), recently presented Phillip with a QJA coffee mug and a Certificate of Appreciation. Thank you Phillip!
Noosa
South Pine South Pine branch hosted a refresher workshop on 5 March. About 80 people attended and were treated to presentations on a range of topics. Jennifer Sheraton, Chairperson of South Pine branch welcomed attendees and introduced the MC, Tim O’Dwyer, a well-known Brisbane solicitor and Notary Public.
QJA Director John Carpendale attended the 5th April meeting of the Noosa Branch at the Noosa Leisure Centre, Wallace Drive, Noosaville. As shown in the photo above (featuring Branch Chair Ray Kelly [L] and Secretary Margaret Lewins [R]), the meeting attracted a good turnout of members. Arrangements for a visit to State Parliament House in June were discussed as well as planning for a refresher workshop later in the year.
Townsville The first session was led by Keith Revell and covered affidavits. Keith educated us on how to deal with annexures and exhibits. Bryan Mitchell, a solicitor, then led the participants in a session on witnessing wills, EPAs and AHDs, but not before Tim played a video showing what can happen in property transactions when due diligence is not observed. A sumptuous morning tea was enjoyed by all and there was plenty of time for meeting new people and sharing experiences. The venue was cool and comfortable and lent itself well to both the meeting and the socialising. A very pleasing thing was that the morning tea was prepared by volunteer relatives of branch members so that branch members could attend all sessions and not have to commit to other duties. We are very grateful to these kind people.
As shown in this photo, QJA Director Carmelo Pasquale (seated far left) attended the May meeting of the Townsville Branch where he spoke to attendees about the Board’s strategic direction and initiatives. Also in attendance was former QJA Director Chris Porter (centre right).
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REGIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION ROSEWOOD CONTACT GROUP Alan Broughton rosewood@qja.com.au Telephone: 0404 061 918
BEAUDESERT CONTACT GROUP Valmai Macaulay beaudesert@qja.com.au Telephone: 0418 741 556
FOREST LAKE CONTACT GROUP Reg Connelly forestlake@qja.com.au Telephone: 0403 167 121
LOGANHOLME CONTACT GROUP Pauline Harris loganholme@qja.com.au Telephone: 0428 916 557
BOWEN BRANCH Brian Byrne bowen@qja.com.au Telephone: 0409 445 056
GLADSTONE BRANCH Steve Felix gladstone@qja.com.au Telephone: 0413 900 613
MACKAY BRANCH Maria Valena mackay@qja.com.au Telephone: 0422 636 374
BRISBANE NORTH BRANCH John Carpendale brisbanenorth@qja.com.au Telephone: 0419 683 325
GOLD COAST BRANCH Joan Kennedy goldcoast@qja.com.au Telephone: 0477 510 517
MAREEBA BRANCH Ann Vains mareeba@qja.com.au Telephone: 0419 719 616
BRISBANE SOUTH BRANCH Samantha Rush brisbanesouth@qja.com.au Telephone: 0403 860 080
GYMPIE BRANCH David Collins gympie@qja.com.au Telephone: 0435 947 760
SOUTH BURNETT BRANCH Ruth Rimes southburnett@qja.com.au Telephone: 0457 681 159
MAROOCHYDORE BRANCH Angela-Marie James maroochydore@qja.com.au Telephone: 0409 471 008
BUNDABERG BRANCH Dave Read bundaberg@qja.com.au Telephone: 0405 252 135
HERVEY BAY BRANCH Loretta Lashmore herveybay@qja.com.au Telephone: 0448 784 854
TIN CAN BAY CONTACT GROUP Rod Ehrke tincanbay@qja.com.au Telephone: 0448 943 336
MARYBOROUGH BRANCH Larry O’Shea maryborough@qja.com.au Telephone: 0428 889 168
CABOOLTURE BRANCH Ron Court caboolture@qja.com.au Telephone: 0419 679 619
HORNIBROOK BRANCH Lisette Dillon hornibrook@qja.com.au Telephone: 0404 977 057
TOOWOOMBA BRANCH Gary Fagg toowoomba@qja.com.au Telephone: 0409 347 591
MT ISA CONTACT GROUP Duncan Cunningham mtisa@qja.com.au Telephone: 0439 746 096
CAIRNS CENTRAL BRANCH Margaret Neville cairns@qja.com.au Telephone: 0419 123 090
HOWARD CONTACT GROUP Carrol Bond howard@qja.com.au Telephone: 0411 743 585
TOWNSVILLE BRANCH Anne Barker townsville@qja.com.au Telephone: 0447 504 771
NOOSA BRANCH Margaret Lewins noosa@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 5471 0617
CAIRNS SOUTH CONTACT GROUP Ralph Powell cairnssouth@qja.com.au Telephone: 0434 510 333
IPSWICH BRANCH Charmaine Dieckmann ipswich@qja.com.au Telephone: 0411 435 112
WARWICK BRANCH Rhonda Eather warwick@qja.com.au Telephone: 0427 580 297
REDLAND CITY BRANCH Ray Burrows redlandcity@qja.com.au Telephone: 0409 499 016
WESTERN SUBURBS BRANCH Noelene Kidd westernsubs@qja.com.au Telephone: 0448 780 491
CALOUNDRA BRANCH Helene Baker-Daines caloundra@qja.com.au Telephone: 0413 758 600
LOCKYER BRANCH Sharon Munro lockyer@qja.com.au Telephone: 0400 554 887
ROCKHAMPTON BRANCH Jane Comollatti rockhampton@qja.com.au Telephone: 0422 596 387
WOODGATE CONTACT GROUP Maxwell Emery woodgate@qja.com.au Telephone: 0408 728 867
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS BRANCH Karen Bray centralhighlands@qja.com.au Telephone: 0438 824 361
LOGAN BRANCH Brooke Batley logan@qja.com.au Telephone: 0411 727 792
ROSEDALE CONTACT GROUP Jonathan Brown rosedale@qja.com.au Telephone: 0408 068 169
WYNNUM MANLY BRANCH Don Hann wynnummanly@qja.com.au Telephone:0427 021 795
SOUTH PINE BRANCH Jeanette D’Arcy southpine@qja.com.au Telephone: 0418 183 008
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.
INTERSTATE CONTACT INFORMATION NSW
Southern Riverina Elizabeth Adam south.riverina@qja.com.au 0427 617 589 Lismore Paul Beckey lismore@qja.com.au 0428 560 467
Sydney (Western Subs) Marie McCabe sydney.3@qja.com.au 0434 992 107
Adelaide Hills Fred Braun adelaide.hls@qja.com.au (08) 8389 9462
Hobart Barrie Bell hobart@qja.com.au 0419 395 796
Wollongong Peter Pioro wollongong@qja.com.au 0419 638 121
Victor Harbor Timothy Barclay victor.harbor@qja.com.au 0403 134 290
Launceston Vanda Stevenson launceston@qja.com.au 0417 707 330
TAS
VIC
Devonport Dennis Wheelton devonport@qja.com.au 0418 334 431
Melbourne (Langwarrin) Robert Bolch melbourne.1@qja.com.au 0412 155 634
NT
Jabiru Karen Beare nt@qja.com.au 0417 891 226
Sydney (Inner West) Jim Elmore sydney.1@qja.com.au 0408 870 721
SA
Sydney (North West) Sharon Atkins sydney.2@qja.com.au 0417 479 412
Adelaide Noel J. Lindsay adelaide@qja.com.au 0407 507 773
Deloraine Annette Powell deloraine@qja.com.au 0427 158 648
Melbourne (Glen Waverley) Simon Bullimore melbourne.2@qja.com.au 0419 756 780
Bendigo Richard Lancaster bendigo@qja.com.au 0407 345 472
INTERNATIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION Hong Kong Luca Ferrerio hong.kong@qja.com.au 16
Thailand (Bangkok) Heather Clarke thailand@qja.com.au
Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
UK (London) Angela Yin london@qja.com.au
UK (Norfolk) Derek Hill uk@qja.com.au
USA (Texas) Tanya Conole usa@qja.com.au