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Community facilities Volunteers | August 06, 2019

Kealy - action needed to address Justices of the Peace shortage

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy is calling on the Andrews Labor Government to take immediate action to address the declining number of Justices of the Peace in western Victoria.

There are currently 36 JPs servicing the Lowan electorate.

“The number of JPs in western Victoria is gradually declining, mainly due to many reaching retirement age,” Ms Kealy said.

“I have been told others are aging and can’t contribute as many hours as they previously have performing JP duties.

“This is putting greater pressure on still active JPs and reducing accessibility and services to the public.

“I am aware of many instances where western Victorian residents have been forced to travel long distances to find a JP and it is proving increasingly difficult to meet with a JP at short notice or for urgent matters.

“While the weblink www.findajp.com.au helps the public locate JPs, declining numbers in western Victoria is making accessing a local JP much more difficult.

“I have written to the Attorney General urging the Andrews Labor Government to take immediate action to actively recruit new JPs, particularly in regional areas, so that western Victorian residents can have the same access to a JP as city people.”