On the 17th of June 2025, Rachel tabled a petition calling for the Attorney-General to address the imminent collapse of Victoria’s Honorary Justice System. The petition garnered a total of 5,739 signatures.
Presented 17th of June 2025,
Victorian Legislative Council
Legislative Council Petition #666
The Petition of certain citizens of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council the imminent collapse of Victoria’s Honorary Justice System with less than 3,500 Justices of the Peace (JPs), many of whom are not active, serving a population of seven million. While Queensland has 80,000 and New South Wales has 75,800, Victoria’s shortfall places additional strain on the already under resourced police. Access to justice is further undermined by government-approved, authorised witnesses, who unlike JPs, often charge fees, lack training, and are not accountable.
The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Attorney General to enact systemic change in the effectiveness and engagement of the Honorary Justice Services Support, resulting in the recruitment of 5000 new Justice of the Peace (JP) by 2027 and 500 new JPs per annum, thereafter.
Response Received from the Attorney-General
Related:
- Justice of the Peace shortage in South-Eastern suburbs – Rachel Payne
- Justices of the Peace in Victoria – Rachel Payne
- Ongoing JP Shortage Impacts Victoria’s LGBTQIA+ Community – Rachel Payne
External:
Tabled petition 9243 – Honorary Justice Services Support – Parliament of Victoria
