VOLUME 9 • NUMBER 1 • AUtUMN 2012
QJA - ESTABLISHED IN 1918
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE 2
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS, COMPANY INFORMATION
EVENT CALENDAR
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EVENT REGISTRATION FORM
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CABOOLTURE REFRESHER The recent refresher workshop hosted by the Caboolture Branch and held at the Bribie Island Library was a resounding success. Congratulations to the Branch Committee and the organisers for putting on such an enjoyable and worthwhile event.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT, NEWS IN BRIEF
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Official Magazine of the Queensland Justices Association
ROLL OF HONOUR, NEW MEMBERS, VALE TALES FROM OLDE
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FIRESIDE CHAT WITH QJA PRESIDENT
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MEMBERSHIP SURVEY RESULTS
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REGIONAL ROUNDUP
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MERCHANIDSE
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REGIONAL CONTACTS HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS
Left to Right: Caboolture Committee Members Ron Court, John Geary, and John Olding with QJA President Ray Burrows. 38 people attended for the day and listened to speakers address topics on: Responsibilities of Honorary Justices,
Witnessing Documents essentials, Land Title document processes, Statutory Declarations & Affidavits – Traps and Pitfalls, and Wills and EPA’s. The interest in this inaugural event encourages the organisers to consider hosting another event in the near future. Also represented were the QJA’s Alliance partner Heritage Bank, and QJA Directors.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Congratulations to QJA Members Bob Pilkington and Raymond Young OAM for the recognition of their long and dedicated service to the QJA with the presentation to each of a QJA Distinguished Service Award. Left to Right: Bob Pilkington (Vice President), Ray Burrows (President) and Raymond Young OAM (Vice President).
Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
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Our Patron The Hon Paul de Jersey, AC, Chief Justice of Queensland
Board of Directors
PRESIDENT & CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Mr Ray Burrows JP (Qual)
Telephone (07) 3822 1366 Mobile 0409 499 016 Email ray.burrows@qja.com.au
VICE PRESIDENTS Mr Bob Pilkington JP (Qual) Immediate Past President
Telephone (07) 3812 1865 Mobile 0438 121 865 Email bob.pilkington@qja.com.au
Mrs Marian Vierveyzer JP (Qual)
Telephone (07) 3389 2481 Mobile 0415 418 320 Email marian.vierveyzer@qja.com.au
Mr Raymond Young OAM JP (Qual) Telephone (07) 4927 4155 Mobile 0405 624 648 Email ray.young@qja.com.au
DIRECTORS Mr John Gordon JP (Qual) Mobile: 0415 589 047 Email: john.gordon@qja.com.au
Mr David Read JP (Qual) Telephone: (07) 4152 3318 (AH) Mobile: 0405 252 135 Email: dave.read@qja.com.au
Mr Keith Revell JP (Qual) Telephone: (07) 3803 4337 Mobile: 0411 134 841 Email: keith.revell@qja.com.au
Mr John Carpendale JP(Qual) Telephone (07) 3353 2927 Mobile 0419 683 325 Email john.carpendale@qja.com.au
Mr Doug Hull JP (Qual) Telephone: (07) 4128 0294 Email: doug.hull@qja.com.au
Mr Christopher Porter JP(Qual) Mobile: 0419 148 189 Email: chris.porter@qja.com.au
QUEENSLAND JUSTICES ASSOCIATION - ACN 009 666 559 – ISSN 1839-2784 The Queensland Justices Association (QJA) is a not-for-profit public company limited by guarantee operating under the Corporations Act 2001 and is governed by a Board of Directors. Registered Office: Postal Address: Office Hours: Contact: Email: Website: Facebook: Registrar:
751 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102. PO Box 8419, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102 Monday – Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm Free call: 1800 061 423 - Telephone: (07) 3392 2455 - Facsimile: (07) 3392 2955 admin@qja.com.au www.qja.com.au www.facebook.com/QldJusticesAssn Angela Yin BA (Journalism), GradDipSocAdmin, MHumanServ, Cert IV TAE, Cert IV Fin Serv, JP (Qual)
The QJA Journal is compiled by an Editorial Board on behalf of the QJA.
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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 Group, 48 Butterfly Drive, Kallangur. Phone 0437 777 079
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Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
VOLUME 9 • NUMBER 1 • Autumn 2012
President’s Report Dear Colleagues, The Board has been putting a lot of work into the finalisation of the Constitution and now the Policies and Procedures have been completed and members may access these documents on the members section of the QJA Web page.
to be a big success once again in 2012, with the flagship event in Brisbane and with Hervey Bay, Bundaberg and Ingham holding events on March 8th, 2012. Check QJA’s Facebook page for photographs of events.
The Board has finally negotiated a Licence from the Department of Justice and Attorney General to deliver the new Course 30942QLD Course in Community Justice Services (Commissioner for Declarations) (Justice of the Peace [Qualified]). We have received notification from Training Recognition (DETA) that the course has been added to our scope of operations.
I am pleased to announce that QJA’s new membership database is now in use and will have more sophisticated functions compared to our old system, which served us for nearly six years. Eventually, we hope to integrate the new database to our website to enable more interactive customer service with our members, e.g. email reminders to members in certain postcodes, event management, Guide updates and the ability for members to change their details online.
With that in mind, the QJA intends to offer the Unit QLD200JPQ01A Perform the duties of a Justice of the Peace. This hopefully will be offered between Saturday March 17 and Saturday April 14. A number of branches have indicated interest to offer the course. If you are interested, please contact your local branch. Contact details are always included in the journal. The QJA will be holding a series of meetings with the JP Branch over the year in relation to moderation of the New JP Course. Directors Keith Revell, John Carpendale, Registrar Angela Yin and I attended the Caboolture Refresher Day at the Bribie Council Library. A very good turn-out of honorary Justices and an extremely well presented day. Congratulations to the QJA Caboolture Branch. It is good to see that the QJA South Burnett Branch will be offering a Refresher Day on Saturday 17th March with the QJA Maroochydore Branch presenting theirs on May 12 at Maroochydore and the QJA Logan Branch on June 2nd.
Vice-President Ray Young OAM and I had our annual meeting with the Patron, Chief Justice Paul de Jersey on February 6th, 2012. The Chief Justice was briefed on all our activities and plans for the upcoming year. A photograph is available on Twitter and Facebook. There will be an ongoing emphasis in growing our membership this year as part of the QJA Strategic plan and marketing with a number of new branches in the pipeline. It would be appreciated if members would contact us if they are interested in forming a branch in their area. If members feel that the Board could improve its services, then contact us and tell us what we can do.
Ray Burrows - President
It is good to see that QJA International Women’s Day looks set
News in Brief Guide to JP Update
Police Access to digital photos
An update will be issued shortly to Chapters 23 and 25 of the JP Guide – essentially the section Destruction of Identifying Particulars has been moved from Chapter 25 to Chapter 23 and a new section Police Access to Digital Photos (see below) has been added to Chapter 23. This Chapter has then been renamed Chapter 23 The Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 and includes the above plus Interviewing of Suspects.
By Greg Cuthbert (Author of the JP Guide).
Those Members who have registered their purchase with the Office and have an Email address will be notified shortly. There will also be a notice on the QJA website in the Members Only section.
Following the introduction of the new Queensland Drivers Licence, changes have been made to the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 and the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 and other transport-related Acts. Only authorised officers have access to digital photos of individuals which have been taken for licensing purposes. This access is allowed only for licensing transactions and licencerelated enforcement.
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News in Brief From time to time, however, police may have a need to access digital images of individuals stored for licensing purposes to assist in a range of criminal law matters. Access to such images is not automatic. Access to digital photos for criminal law matters, outside the boundaries of enforcing transport laws, are governed by the provisions outlined in sections 195A to 195H of the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000. This Act allows Police Officers to access digital photos: • • •
for the purpose of enforcing transport-related offences, for investigating, prosecuting and enforcing the criminal law, in an emergency if the officer reasonably suspects that there is an actual or imminent serious risk to a person’s life or health or to public health or safety, and immediate access to the photo is likely to enable a Police Officer to take action to reduce that risk.
If Police Officers need to access a digital photo to help investigate, prosecute or enforce the criminal law, outside licensing and transport enforcement, they must apply for an Access Approval Order from a Justice of the Peace (Qualified) or a Justice of the Peace (Magistrate’s Court). Under the provisions of section 195B of the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000, such an application: • • • •
must be sworn; and must identify the registered digital photo for which the access approval order is sought; and must state the purpose for which the access is sought; and must state why the police officer considers it is reasonably necessary to access the registered digital photo for the purpose mentioned.
Under Section 195C(1) of the Act, the Justice may make the access approval order if satisfied it is reasonably necessary for a police officer to access the registered digital photo for which the order is sought for the purpose for which the access is sought. When reviewing an application and reaching a decision as to whether it is “reasonably necessary” to grant the Access Order, a Justice should consider: • • • • •
the gravity of the alleged offence the seriousness of the circumstance surrounding the offence the degree of the person’s alleged involvement in the commission of the offence whether there are other, legal means of obtaining the photo whether the person is in custody for the offence or other offences.
Police can also access digital photos in an emergency. A Post-Access Approval Order from a Justice of the Peace (Qualified) or a Justice of the Peace (Magistrate’s Court) is required in this case.
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Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
Australasian Council of Justices Associations By Marian Vierveyzer (Vice President). The annual meeting of the Australasian Council of Justices’ Associations (ACJA) was held over the weekend from 7th to 9th October 2011 in Nelson Bay NSW. One of the aims of this meeting of the State representatives of Justices’ Associations was to discuss and put forward a recommendation on a number of topics. In doing so the Council shared their similarities and their differences. One of the topics being discuss was the purpose of the ACJA. Justices in each state have different authority under their own State legislations so it was extremely difficult to ask a national body to take on a role of authority over the state bodies. It was however, possible to establish the ACJA annual conference as a forum for discussion and the sharing of initiatives between states. It was interesting to see there were many differences in the manner in which Justices were sworn into office. The most outstanding issues for states were a shared frustration in training for both new and experienced Justices. Mostly the lack of training and the manner in which the training was to be brought to the Justices or potential Justices. The QJA Guide has been taken up by New Zealand, modified to reflect local legislation and is now in place for all students prior to nomination. NZ has been very successful in streamlining the process. NSW and SA have also used the QJA training materials to help create their own courses. SA is focusing on computer based training that will be accessible by regional centres and have opened a dialogue with Qld directors along these lines. States varied in the type of relationship they shared with their individual Dept of Justices and Attorney General (JAG). Some states enjoyed good financial support from their state body while others are supported in kind, such as office space and access to dedicated office equipment. Queensland does not enjoy these benefits and relies heavily on membership fees and training as income to run the association. The councilors representing all states broke up into workshops who individually discussed issues and then put forward recommendations to the meeting. The topics for discussion were • • • • • •
The process by which JP’s are appointed Harmonisation of processes A common approach to education and training in all jurisdictions Roles and duties of JPs Membership Future of the ACJA
Ray Burrows took part in the training forum and Marian Vierveyzer took part in the forum to discuss the future focus of the ACJA.
VOLUME 9 • NUMBER 1 • Autumn 2012
News in Brief Message from JP Branch The JP Branch is looking to ensure all registered JPs and C.decs update their contact details with us. This can now be done online at our website www.justice.qld.gov.au/jps. Just click on “update my details” and fill in the form In addition to addresses, we are particularly interested in members providing a contact telephone number and email address. Updating your details enables the JP Branch to keep you informed about dates and locations of training, updates related to your
responsibilities, latest news and more. The JP Branch would appreciate all QJA members getting online to update their contact details with us. It will only take about 5 minutes of your time and will ensure the JP Branch can always stay in touch with you. Regards Damien Mealey Registrar and Manager Justices of the Peace Branch
Event Calendar Maroochydore Branch Workshop Date: Saturday, 12 May 2012 Time: 8.15am registration for a 9.00am start to 4.00pm Venue: Millwell Road Community Centre, Millwell Road, Maroochydore (Back of Sunshine Plaza) Cost: $25 Members - $30 Non-Members Direct Debit: BSB 124-054 A/C No. 2039 2957 Include your QJA Membership Number and name in the reference field. Follow this with an email to jimwithford@smartchat.net.au to advise payment has been made. Post Registration Forms to: The Treasurer, QJA Maroochydore Branch, PO Box 611, Mooloolaba Qld 4557 For further information, please contact: Jim Withford, Treasurer on 0412 793 686, or Anne Fletcher, Secretary on 0420 423 553 or maroochydore@qja.com.au If you require more information regarding a particular event contact the nominated person for that event as shown on this page, and on our website, or ring State Office.
Logan Branch Workshop Date: Saturday, 2 June 2012 Time: 8.15am registration for a 8.45am start to 4.00pm Venue: Logan Recreational & Sporting Club, 4 Alba Lane, Kingston (Off Jacaranda Avenue) Cost: $25 Members - $35 Non-Members Direct Debit: BSB 638-070 A/C No. 1194 3394 Include your QJA Membership Number and name in the reference field. Follow this with an email to logan@qja.com.au to advise payment has been made. Post Registration Forms to: The Secretary, QJA Logan Branch, 31 Heritage Blvd, Heritage Park, QLD 4118 For further information, please contact Keith Revell on 0411 134 841 or at logan@qja.com.au To register for one of these events complete the Event Registration Form on the following page. Enter the details of the event you are attending on the Event Registration Form (one form per event please), complete your details, and your method of payment. Post your form to the address shown against the event you are attending.
Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
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retirement group
PAYMENT INFORMATION PAYMENT INFORMATION (Please ticktick payment method) (Please payment method)
EVENT REGISTRATION FORM EVENT REGISTRATION FORM
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WORKSHOP/EVENT DETAILS WORKSHOP/EVENT DETAILS (enter details of event attending – One form per per event) (enter details of event attending – One form event) Branch Workshop / Event Branch Workshop / Event Description:…….……………….……………………………… Description:…….……………….……………………………… Venue…………………………………………….……………… Venue…………………………………………….……………… DateDate of Event:…………………….……. of Event:…………………….……. CostCost $...................... $......................
I have enclosed a Cheque for $for ………………… I have enclosed a Cheque $ ………………… I willI will pay pay by Visa / MasterCard (circle one), details by Visa / MasterCard (circle one), details below. below. Credit Card No………… / …………. / ……….. /…………. Credit Card No………… / …………. / ……….. /…………. CardCard Expiry date: ……. / ……/…….. Expiry date: ……. / ……/…….. Cardholder’s name:………………………………… Cardholder’s name:………………………………… I willI will pay pay be be Direct Debit to BSB as published. Direct Debit to BSB as published.
include youryour QJAQJA member number in the field.field. ____________________________________________ Please include member number in reference the reference ____________________________________________ Please
PARTICIPANT DETAILS PARTICIPANT DETAILS (One form per per person registering) (One form person registering) Name: Name:
….………………………………………..…… ….………………………………………..……
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Follow this with an email to totoadvise payment has has beenbeen completed. Follow this with an email to advise payment completed.
Signature: ……………………………………………………..… Signature: ……………………………………………………..… DateDate ………………..…………………. ………………..………………….
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Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
VOLUME 9 • NUMBER 1 • Autumn 2012
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.
Bronze - 25 Years QJA Membership Peter Chow
Margaret Harbinson
Trevor Kerlin
John Kronenburg
John Winn
Edward Jones
Lewis Matthews
Silver - 40 Years QJA Membership Guido Canale
Normal McDonald
Giuseppe Trotta
Ian Jeffers
Gold - 50 Years QJA Membership None this period
Platinum - 60 Years QJA Membership Gordon Reisenleiter
WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS The following have joined the QJA since the last Journal: Lawrence Ballinger Gordon Bentzen Joel Beskin Margherita Bess John Bishton Diane Bortolussi Albin Buchner Keith Bunkum John Bussenschutt Robert Campbell Timothy Campion Alan Carstens Ian Cox John Cuddihy Susan Curtis
Alan Dartnall Sarah Davis Dianne Deaves Malcolm Diefenbach Joyce Donghi David Drew Ken Edwards Henry Enkera Faaofonuu Faanana Gary Fisher Raymond Francis Kerrie Friend Mary Funk Justin Goodfellow Christopher Hahne
Patricia Halse Maurice Hendriks James Holden Gladys Holman Marcia Jensen June Josey Bruce Kelly Barbara Kerle Ian Kleinhanss Dirk Koeppen Maryanne KossendeyHamilton Graham Luck Maria MacDonald Lewis Maguire
Janelle McNamara Gregory Moore Steven Mourdhuj Karan Mullins Kathleen Munchow Doreen Murphy Doreen Omiros Antonio Paglietta Tammy Perrin Andrew Portbury Trevor Price Donald Rae Elsa Reeves Harvey Rich Kathleen Riches
Anthony Rigby Gregory Saunders Ronald Savage Marie Shaw Brian Shaw Carol Taylor Raelene Tihema Wayne Tupicoff Jane Turner Leah Vlahos David Waldron Zelma Wasson Darren Webster Graeme Willox
VALE
We have received with sadness notice of the passing of the following Members. Our condolences to the family and friends. William Eneberg Wayne Drossou Dominic Fisher Donald McGinness Gerd Wolse Anna Smith OBE William Brittain
1957 – 2012 The Gap 1948 – 2010 Narangba – 2011 Wavell Heights 1929 – 2011 Warwick – 2011 Kin Kin – 2011 Carindale 1931 – 2012 Woolloowin
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Tales from olde - some historical stories settlement & Removal UK The Poor Law Act of 1601 provided relief to be granted to paupers only in their parish of legal settlement. The Act stated that a person was legally settled in a parish after they had lived there for one month. This was a great burden on some parishes and so the Settlement Act of 1662 provided that a newcomer to a parish could only acquire legal right to settlement if that person was: •
someone who held a public office or paid the parish rate
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renting a property with over £10 per annum
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unmarried and had worked in the parish for one year
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a woman marrying a male parishioner
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a legitimate child, aged under seven, whose father lived in the parish
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a child who was illegitimate and born in the parish
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a person apprenticed to a master in the parish , or
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a person resident in the parish for 40 days having given the parish authorities prior written notice of his intention to do so.
The rules were strictly enforced and people were forcibly ejected from a parish if they were not legally settled there and they became a liability to the parish. Determining the parish of settlement for a person without a settlement certificate was very complicated. The person would be questioned by two Justices of the Peace (JPs) about his or her history: where they were born, whether they have been an apprentice, whether they were married and where they had lived and for how long.
Kent, and in August 1386 he became Knight of the shire for Kent. Around the time of his wife’s death in 1387, Chaucer moved to Greenwich and later to Kent.
Origins of policing The origin of the British police lies in early tribal history and is based on customs for securing order through the medium of appointed representatives. In effect, the people were the police. The Saxons brought this system to England and improved and developed the organisation. This entailed the division of the people into groups of ten, called “tythings”, with a tything-man as representative of each; and into larger groups, each of ten tythings, under a “hundred-man” who was responsible to the Shire-reeve, or Sheriff, of the County. The tything-man system, after contact with Norman feudalism, changed considerably but was not wholly destroyed. In time the tything-man became the parish constable and the Shire-reeve the Justice of the Peace, to whom the parish constable was responsible. This system, which became widely established in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, comprised, generally, one unarmed able-bodied citizen in each parish, who was appointed or elected annually to serve for a year unpaid, as parish constable. He worked in co-operation with the local JPs in securing observance of laws and maintaining order. In addition, in the towns, responsibility for the maintenance of order was conferred on the guilds and, later, on other specified groups of citizens, and these supplied bodies of paid men, known as “The Watch”, for guarding the gates and patrolling the streets at night.
At the end of the examination, the JPs had to decide whether the person should remain in the parish or be removed to another. If the latter, a removal order was issued. In general, parishes were not so concerned about young, single men entering their parish as they were capable of earning a living and unlikely to need financial support from the parish. They were far quicker to investigate lone women, particularly those with children, and also single women, as they were more likely to be a burden on the parish funds.
Geoffrey Chaucer (JP) Did you know before William Shakespeare, Geoffrey Chaucer was the pre-eminent English poet, and he remains in the top tier of the English canon. He also was the most significant poet to write in Middle English. Chaucer was born in the early 1340s to a fairly rich, well-to-do, though not aristocratic family. His father, John Chaucer, was a vintner and deputy to the king’s butler. His family’s financial success came from work in the wine and leather businesses, and they had considerable inherited property in London. In October 1385, Chaucer was appointed a Justice of the Peace for
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Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
In the eighteenth century came the beginnings of immense social and economic changes and the consequent movement of the population to the towns. The parish constable and “Watch” systems failed completely and the impotence of the law-enforcement machinery was a serious menace. Conditions became intolerable and led to the formation of the “New Police”.
VOLUME 9 • NUMBER 1 • Autumn 2012
Fireside chat with Ray Burrows – QJA President New director, John Carpendale (JC), recently sat down with Ray Burrows (RB) to discuss some current issues of importance to the QJA.
JC
JC Ray, you’ve been involved with the QJA for a long time. As a relatively new chum, I’d like to pick your brains on a few issues and gain the benefit of your accumulated knowledge and experience.
held. Will the QJA get back into this type of training?
RB
Glad to help!
JC We recently approved a new company constitution. Some provisions in the new constitution were the subject of lively discussion and debate. For example, the new provision for appeals against charges (rule 96) effectively does away with the previous Appeals Committee. What was the reason for this change? RB For many years, we had a standing Appeals Committee comprising a small group of QJA Members. In practice, there have been so few appeals over the years that this committee generally had no business to conduct. The last time the Appeals Committee actually met to consider a matter was during 1996. It was unable to resolve the dispute and the matter was escalated to the court system. The new provisions allow a Special Meeting of the QJA (which all members are eligible to attend) to determine the appeal. I’m sure members will agree this is a fairer and more practical way to resolve disputes of this nature.
The QJA has traditionally been involved in running
training courses to prepare students to qualify as JP (Qual). However, since July 2011, no QJA training courses have been RB
Absolutely yes! Due to circumstances beyond our
control, we have been unable to run JP preparation courses for the last nine months. But we are now in a position to again offer this type of training. We are a registered training organisation (RTO). Branches were recently advised that our first course for 2012 will be offered in March-April. We expect to also offer several more courses later in the year. JC
The QJA has about thirty branches and contact groups
spread across the length and breadth of Queensland. However, many of our members live in areas without a local branch. What does the QJA plan to do about this? RB
One of our strategic objectives for the current planning
cycle is to identify those areas where we have numbers of members without access to a local group. We will then invite members to attend a meeting to discuss the formation of a local group. I expect that by this time next year, we will have several new branches/ contact groups in existence.
JC The new constitution also introduced a set of Model Rules for Branches (Schedule 1). How will these Model Rules impact on the Branches?
JC
RB We recently issued a communication to all Branches to explain the changes that may be necessary to comply with these new rules. For the vast majority of Branches there will be no impact. However, a small number of branches may need to address the following matters:
in Queensland our Membership base has remained static over the
• Office Bearers – correct title for branch head is “Chairman”
membership to both current and prospective members. For the
• Branch Name – should be in the format “QJA (approved district) branch”
• Branch ABN – branches should use the QJA ABN and do not need a separate ABN
• Work Health & Safety – branches need to comply with QJA policies and procedures
JC How will members and Branches be aware of QJA policies and procedures? RB The Board has recently approved a formal Policy and Procedures Manual for the organisation. This manual is very comprehensive and documents all QJA policies and procedures. Copies of the manual can be accessed in the Member Only area of the QJA website (www.qja.com.au). I encourage members to check it out!
Notwithstanding the ongoing growth in JP numbers, the
size of the QJA membership has stagnated somewhat in recent years. While we still are the largest organisation representing JPs last few years. What does the Board propose to do about this? RB
The recruitment and retention of members is another of
our strategic objectives for the current planning cycle. Several initiatives are being developed to demonstrate the value of QJA past couple of years, we have been operating at a considerable disadvantage because we are no longer advised about newly qualified JPs. Over the next 12 months in particular, we will concentrate on building on our constructive relationship with the JAG JP Branch which we see as integral to maintaining our position as the peak industry association representing Queensland JPs. JC
Thank you Ray for your comments and insights. Is there
any particular message you would like to convey to our members? RB
The Board and I are committed to developing programs
that genuinely add value to the working existence of our membership. If members have any comments or suggestions that would aid us in this endeavour, I encourage and invite them to let us know without delay.
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Membership satisfaction survey informs Strategic Plan 2012/16 By Angela Yin (Registrar).
should be available.
In the Autumn 2011 issue of The QJA Journal, QJA included a Member Satisfaction Survey. It was sent to all our members, which numbered around 5,600 at the time. We received 119 responses, or around 2.125% of the membership base responded. It was designed to gather members’ perceptions about QJA and inform QJA’s strategic planning process.
If you are interested in being part of a branch, or starting a group
The survey population was large enough to draw some general conclusions about members’ views, and highlighted several areas in which the Board may want to examine with further member consultations.
to receive their updates more efficiently.
This was a confidential survey so individual members could not be identified. The survey highlights many strengths of QJA and, just as importantly, constructive criticisms.
Membership Most respondents were happy with the overall experience of being a QJA Member. Out of 119 respondents over 85% responded “Excellent” or “Good”.
Journal Nearly 90% of respondents said they were satisfied with the quality of The QJA Journal. One suggestion was that we might include some examples of new forms coming through and step-by-step instructions in how to complete them.
Annual State Conference QJA has 150-200+ attendees at its Annual State Conferences. 70% of the respondents had never attended a Conference, but those who had were overwhelmingly satisfied. The main reason for those who had not attended was because it was not held in a convenient location. QJA endeavours to hold an Annual State Conference in your part of Queensland at some stage! One member remarked that QJA’s Conferences are exceptional value at under $50 for allday event. Other professional development Conferences can cost hundreds.
Refresher Seminars QJA has anywhere between 50-200 attendees at its Refresher Seminars. Nearly half of the respondents had attended a seminar. Once again, the location was a major factor in whether or not people attended. QJA will consider structuring its Refresher Seminars to enable the morning session to be for both C.Decs and JP (Quals) and afternoons (or final sessions) for JP (Quals) only.
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for young people or working people, please contact State Office.
The Guide to JP Practice in Queensland Only 16 of the 119 respondents did not own QJA’s self-published Guide. Most were satisfied with the content, although would like
Merchandise There were a couple of comments about the stamps being expensive. We have now added an affidavit/exhibit stamp to our merchandise list, as well as a multi-page certified copy stamp.
Website QJA is endeavouring to improve the functionality of its website over the course of 2012, with the addition of forums for members, blogs and e-commerce functionality.
General comments • Promote QJA’s signing centres more to recruit volunteers – a feature article on the signing centres for the Journal would be a good idea. • Thoroughly enjoyed QJA International Women’s Day Luncheon. Thanks for organising! • I am a Queensland JP in northern NSW. I would like to volunteer! • More support for JPs and C.Decs without cost. Free updates. • Please encourage younger people to become JPs. They are the future! • More resources available online and by email.
Strategic Plan In October 2011, the QJA Board developed a Strategic Plan for 2012-2016. Mission Statement – QJA is committed to being the best advocate for honorary Justices, providing members with professional development and to engage those members to maintain the lead role in knowledge, training and performance to the community in
Branches
an honest and ethical manner.
35 out of the 119 were involved with their local branch. Of those who are not involved, most cited busy lives as the main reason. Other reasons included not realising branches existed or there are no branches in their area, including Maleny, some parts of Brisbane and Proserpine. One respondent mentioned that a younger group
Vision Statement – To create ethical leadership for honorary
Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
Justices in Queensland and to promote the professional knowledge and uniformity in performance delivered to the community and consistently create value to members for the future growth of the member and for the Queensland Justices Association.
VOLUME 9 • NUMBER 1 • Autumn 2012
Membership satisfaction survey informs Strategic Plan 2012/16 Our goals over the next five years are to: 1.
stakeholders, including the Department of Justice & Attorney-General – JP Branch
To deliver quality Honorary Justice training
• By developing positive-interagency relationships
• By maintaining our Registered Training Organisation (RTO) status
• By consulting with all stakeholders to research for clear, evidence-based policy positions
• By exploring different methods of delivery
• By engaging in effective lobbying in policy submissions and ensuring QJA’s voice is heard
• By modifying course content where necessary • By adequately supporting and training our trainers 2. To provide quality professional development to Honorary Justices
7.
• By developing comprehensive, relevant and regularly updated and reviewed Policies & Procedures
• By organising the Annual State Conference each year
• By using resources efficiently and effectively
• By using online tools such as the QJA website, Facebook and Twitter to disburse information • By providing networking opportunities for JPs, allowing them to informally learn from one another • By providing professional advice by phone and email 3.
To increase membership recruitment • By identifying new JPs
• By targeting specific industries with large numbers of JPs • By acknowledging demographic trends and responding to changes in demographics To engage with existing members effectively • By producing interesting and relevant resources, such as content in the Journal, website and social media • By branches holding regular and interesting meetings and activities • By asking members for feedback to ensure continuous improvement of products and services 5.
• By developing good communication channels • By recruiting and retaining appropriately skilled staff members 8.
To have strong leadership and governance • By promoting the principles of efficacy, transparency and accountable leadership • By developing strategic alliances with appropriate partners for mutual benefit
• By identifying JPs who are not members of QJA
4.
To have effective administration and management
To engage in effective community development • By promoting public awareness of the contribution JPs make to civic life • By continuing to develop and nurture our branch network
• Be establishing a QJA Future Fund for the long-term advantage and capacity building of QJA • By obtaining sufficient resources to achieve objectives of this plan and maintain a sustainable financial base that is able to withstand unforeseen trauma
Late News Queensland Building Boost Grant Now that the Queensland Building Boost Grant (QBBG) has been extended to 30 April 2012, expect to see more of the Stat Decs presenting at Signing Centres. Last time there was an extension Signing Centres reported a rush as people hurried to get in before the close.
The Office of State Revenue have updated their Occupancy requirements for grants and concessions flyer on their website. This flyer explains the • By acknowledging the contribution of and achievements important differences between the QBBG and of women and other diverse groups first home concessions. Need more information? 6. To lobby and advocate in the interests of Honorary Visit www.osr.qld.gov.au • By continuing to establish and nurture public signing facilities
Justices
• By seeking Government support and sponsorship • By
developing
constructive
relationships
with
Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
11
Regional Roundup Tour of Brisbane North signing Centres Raymond Young OAM (Vice President), in company with John Carpendale (Director) and Angela Yin (Registrar), recently toured several QJA Signing Centres in the northern suburbs of Brisbane. During the tour, Ray took time to speak with both volunteers and shopping centre management to express the Board’s thanks and gratitude for the co-operative effort of both groups in delivering a highly-regarded service to the respective communities. All in the one afternoon/evening, Ray managed to visit QJA signing centres at Stafford and Lutwyche (both Inner North Brisbane Branch) and Albany Creek (South Pine Branch). Left: Ray, Angela and John with Stafford City centre management personnel.
Right: Ray and John with father and daughter volunteers John and Jennifer Sheraton from the QJA South Pine Branch at Albany Creek shopping centre. Left: Ray and Angela with Centro Lutwyche centre management staff and David Harris (Chairman, Inner North Brisbane Branch) [far right].
Noosa state Conference An enjoyable and informative conference was held at Noosa last October with a relaxing venue and high quality speakers. With local dignitaries welcoming the delegates and reminding members of the importance of the role of the JP and the high regard that JP volunteers are held in the community. Congratulations to the organising Committee for presenting such an interesting programme for the 150+ delegates who attended. Below; The Organising Committee 2011 State Conference. Many would immediately recognise the keynote speaker Deputy Police Commission Mr Ian Stewart who was the face behind the Premier during the 2011 Floods. 12
Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
Mr Stewart discussed his role during the 2011 floods as the State Disaster Coordinator and explained that for the first 72 hours people have to be self-sufficient in major catastrophic events until the emergency services can adequately respond to widespread disasters. In this context everyone is a “First Responder”. Mr Stewart took on this role of State Disaster Coordinator in 2010 when changes to the State Disaster Laws created the position, the role is activated when needed, and nobody thought he would need to step into the role so quickly. Ms Mehera Saunders provided an insightful presentation on witnessing Wills and the importance of correct procedures when creating and witnessing Wills to reduce the risk of challenges. There is a view that assessing capacity when witnessing Wills is as important as when witnessing EPA’s except there is no provision in the Acts to place the onus on the witness to determine capacity in this regard. Detective Rod Shelton of the State Crime Operations Command provided his usual scary, information, humorous, and enlightening presentation on Identity fraud. Rod’s presentation is available on the Professional Development Page of Members Only area on our website. Ms Annette Lakey of Hall Payne Lawyers provided an interesting history of Family Law in Australia. Annette’s speech is available on the QJA website.
VOLUME 9 • NUMBER 1 • Autumn 2012
Regional Roundup 50 Years’ service recognised Logan resident Kel Abrahams celebrated his attainment of 50 years as a JP at a morning tea recently.
As more and more institutions require documents to be sighted and witnessed by JPs or C.Decs, the need for more volunteers is growing, and if you would like to volunteer for one evening or Saturday every 5 weeks or so, please contact the Hon.Secretary (Don Hann) on 3390 4278 or the Chairperson (Cherryl Walduck) on 3893 0513.
Gold Coast Branch meetings for 2012 The Gold Coast Branch Committee are left to right. Lyn Brown (Chair), John Gordon (Treasurer) and Judie Novak (Project Officer)
Left to Right: Keith Revell (Director), Kel Abrahams, and Desley Scott (State Member for Woodridge) Kel started his JP duties in Mackay before moving to Longreach and then down to Brisbane. While in Longreach Kel had the opportunity to sit on the Bench on a number of occasions and has some interesting stories to tell – unfortunately none of them we can print.
Kel has been a volunteer all his life in one organisation or another, starting out when he was 7 helping at the CWA, then he was involved with the Scouts and Schools, and recently as a Volunteer in Policing.
Tuesday 1 May 2012
Tuesday 7 August 2012
Tuesday 6 November 2012
The Committee of the Gold Coast Branch invite you to the future 2012 Meetings at Southport Yacht Club – Main Beach 6pm for 6.30pm start.
A deserved award for a true volunteer.
Wynnum Branch celebrates Wynnum Branch will celebrate four years of excellent service to the people of Wynnum and surrounds on 4th August this year. In those four years some 9018 people have had, between them, over 20000 documents dealt with. Several of the inaugural volunteers are still working on a regular basis whilst others have moved away from the area, died or retired because of health issues.
RSVP-Friday prior to meetings email lynbrown5@bigpond.com This group photo was taken at a Christmas Lunch at the Runaway Bay Tavern on 16th December 2011.
Three of the original team are Left to Right above: Don Hann (Hon secretary) Stephen Lewis and Barry Harpur who were recently photographed on duty. All volunteers enjoy serving the community in this way and the fellowship each duty brings with it.
The Volunteers are from the JP Signing Centre at Runaway Bay, as you can see from the happy faces these Volunteers have formed a great team and have become friends over the years working together.
The Signing Service at Wynnum Plaza operates on Thursday evenings 6-8pm and on Saturdays 10-12.
Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
13
Regional Roundup Post Card from Ingham
Gympie Branch
As a Branch we are the ‘new kids on the block’ having only recently formalised our group and thus become registered with Queensland Justice Association as a Branch.
Daphne Horne was elected to the position of chairman at the recent AGM of the Gympie branch of the QJA.
Individually, our members have been registered for many years.
Justices of the Peace are available at the Court House on several days of each week, and it is intended that another signing centre will be established in the near future to accommodate those people requiring J.P. services outside of business hours.
Pictured: L-R; Leigh Douglas, Penny Douglas, Roselyn and carer Clare. During an orientation session of sharing our individual experiences which related to special requests for the role of a JP, the following event attracted the interest of our members and as a result I have been asked to share this experience. As a Justice of the Peace Qualified I was asked recently to certify the Requests for Taxi Travel Subsidies for the residents of the local Endeavour Foundation community home. Our sea-side beach of Allingham also known as Forrest Beach is in a rural and remote location. Our town is fortunate to have an Endeavour Foundation house which is a special home for people who need ‘in home’ carers. These residents required Taxi-Subsidy forms to be witnessed in the event of an urgent need when their regular mode of transport is unavailable. This might seem like a simple request however, being familiar with ones’ environment, having all the residents together at the same time and also the time incurred filling out the necessary paper work plus the necessary permission from both the Foundation and the Decision Maker was a necessary consideration that needed to be thought out. My husband, Leigh and I (both JP Qualified) found it necessary to visit the house when the residents were at home and meet each person as their individual applications were completed. As a Branch we thank the members who have stepped up to take on the leadership roles and we look forward to being of service to the community of Ingham. Kind permission from the Endeavour Foundation and the Decision Maker were obtained for this article and photo.
14
Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
Other new committee members are Secretary Janine Heyer, Treasurer Sue Ward, Vice-chairman Wayne Barber and Publicity Sandra Coates
VOLUME 9 • NUMBER 1 • AUtUMN 2012
Merchandise This is the latest merchandise list. The Order Form is available from State Office and on our website.
iD
QJA01* QJA03* QJA04R QJA04S QJA05R QJA05S QJA05MR QJA05Ms QJA06* QJA06P* QJA06s QJA06OV QJA07* QJA08* QJA09* QJA10* QJA11W QJA11WP QJA11B QJA11BP QJA13* QJA15* QJA16* QJA17* QJA18* QJA19R QJA19s QJA20* QJA23 QJA25* QJA26* QJA27* QJA28 QJA29 QJA30* QJA32 QJA33 QJA38R QJA38S QJA34Red QJA39Blk QJA39Red
Product Description
Unit Price
Membership Pin ...........................................................................................$7.00 QJA Tote Bags .............................................................................................$2.50 Stamp Rubber Name/JP Type ....................................................................$28.00 Stamp Self Inking Name/JP Type ..............................................................$40.00 Stamp Rubber Certified Copy with Name/JP Type.................................... $28.00 Stamp Self Inking Certified Copy with Name /JP Type ............................$40.00 Stamp Rubber Certified Multi-page Copy with Name/JP Type .................$28.00 Stamp Self Inking Certified Multi-page Copy with Name /JP Type .......... $40.00 Replacement Membership Card No Photo ..................................................$6.60 Replacement Membership Card With Photo.............................................. $12.50 Stamp Self Inking – Self Conversion of Seal of Office ............................. $30.00 Stamp Self-Inking Oval - Self-Conversion Seal of Office......................... $35.00 Car Sticker C.Dec ........................................................................................$0.80 Car Sticker JP(Qual) ...................................................................................$0.80 QJA Coffee Mug ..........................................................................................$8.00 QJA Scribble Pad .........................................................................................$2.00 Name Badge (white background + crest) Magnetic .................................. $16.00 Name Badge (white background + crest) Pin ............................................$16.00 Name Badge (blue background + crest) Magnetic .................................... $16.00 Name Badge (blue background + crest) Pin ..............................................$16.00 QJA Deluxe Pen ........................................................................................... $6.00 QJA Cap ..................................................................................................... $15.00 Mens Polo No Pocket (Sizes S,M,L,XL,2XL,3XL,4XL) .........................$31.00 Mens Polo With Pocket (Sizes S,M,L,XL,2XL,3XL,4XL) ......................$40.00 Ladies Polo (Sizes 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20) ............................................$31.00 Stamp Rubber Custom Made .....................................................................$28.00 Stamp Self Inking Custom Made ............................................................... $40.00 Wall Plaque – Embroidered (Includes Postage) ......................................$109.00 Log Book .....................................................................................................$6.00 QJA Pen .......................................................................................................$1.00 QJA Tie ......................................................................................................$27.00 QJA Lanyard with plastic card holder .........................................................$4.00 Stamp Self Ink Cert Copy EPA All pages except last Name/JP Type ........ $40.00 Stamp Self Ink Certified Copy EPA Last Page Name/JP Type ..................$40.00 QJA Handbook “The Guide to JP Practice” (loose leaf) ..........................$15.00 Single Page Exhibit Name/JP Type............................................................$45.00 Multiple Page Exhibit Name/JP Type ........................................................$45.00 Stamp Rubber c/o QJA Address................................................................. $28.00 Stamp Self-Inking c/o QJA Address .......................................................... $40.00 Replacement ink pad for Oval Self-Converter (Colop Oval 55) ............$12.00 Replacement ink pad for QJA Standard Stamps (Colop P40) ...................$8.00 Replacement ink pad for QJA Standard Stamps (Colop P40) ...................$8.00
Don’t forget to add Postage which must be calculated for each order using the following table:Stickers/Membership Cards etc: ......................$1.00 Logbook/Cap/Tie/Lanyard etc: ........................$5.00 Stamps ..............................................................$6.00 each Large / heavy items (such as “The Guide”) ...$10.00 Two + heavy items .........................................$15.00
Serving Queensland’s Honorary Justices since 1918
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Regional Contact Information BEAUDESERT CONTACT GROUP
GOLD COAST BRANCH
LOGANHOLME CONTACT GROUP SOUTH PINE BRANCH
Valmai Macaulay
John Gordon
John Bailey
Dawn Torrens
beaudesert@qja.com.au
goldcoast@qja.com.au
loganholme@qja.com.au
southpine@qja.com.au
Telephone: (07) 5544 6460
Telephone: 0450 553 038
Telephone: (07) 3287 1516
Telephone: (07) 3161 5732
MACKAY BRANCH
SOUTH BURNETT BRANCH
Maria Valena
Debbie-Lee Jackson
mackay@qja.com.au
southburnett@qja.com.au
Telephone: (07) 4977 5609
Telephone: (07) 4162 7977
MAROOCHYDORE BRANCH
TIN CAN BAY CONTACT GROUP
HERVEY BAY BRANCH
Anne Fletcher
Janine Heyer
Ron Just
maroochydore@qja.com.au
tincanbay@qja.com.au
herveybay@qja.com.au
Telephone: 0420 423 553
Telephone: 0407 765 398
Telephone: (07) 4128 3628
MT ISA CONTACT GROUP
TOOWOOMBA BRANCH
BUNDABERG BRANCH Helen Lander Telephone: 0427 855 400
CABOOLTURE BRANCH John Geary caboolture@qja.com.au Telephone: 0407 579 139
CAIRNS CONTACT GROUP Margaret Neville
GYMPIE BRANCH Janine Heyer gympie@qja.com.au Telephone 0407 765 398
Telephone: (07) 4045 2333
INNER NORTH BRISBANE BRANCH
CAIRNS SOUTH BRANCH
John Carpendale
Meredith Gardiner
inb@qja.com.au
cairnssouth@qja.com.au
Telephone: (07) 3353 2927
cairns@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
Megan Housden mtisa@qja.com.au
Telephone: (07) 4635 6727
NOOSA BRANCH
TOWNSVILLE BRANCH
Margaret Lewins noosa@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 5471 0617
Stephanie Payne
REDLAND CITY BRANCH
ipswich@qja.com.au
Ray Burrows
Telephone: (07) 3281 9114
redlandcity@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 3822 1366
ROCKHAMPTON BRANCH
Siobahn Pelleri
Lance Watson
ingham@qja.com.au Telephone 0438 102 962
toowoomba@qja.com.au
Telephone: (07) 4749 0623
IPSWICH BRANCH
INGHAM BRANCH
Ruth Roche
rockhampton@qja.com.au Telephone: 0447 021 591
GLADSTONE BRANCH
LOGAN BRANCH
Fred Golder
Keith Revell
gladstone@qja.com.au
logan@qja.com.au
rosewood@qja.com.au
Telephone 0419 796 177
Telephone: (07) 3803 4337
Telephone: (07) 5464 2007
Annmaree Luther townsville@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 4773 4371
WESTERN SUBURBS BRANCH Grahame Tainton westsubs@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 3279 0185
WYNNUM MANLY BRANCH Don Hann wynnummanly@qja.com.au Telephone: (07) 3390 4278
ROSEWOOD CONTACT GROUP Alan Broughton
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
1300 130 670 13 10 21 1300 555 135 1800 061 800 1800 333 000 07 3235 4312 07 3405 4799 1300 301 147 044 773 7692 02 8688 7487 03 9603 9090 07 3253 4744 1800 017 288 1800 811 811 1800 600 636 1300 651 192 1300 881 665 1300 658 030 13 74 68 1300 651 188
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 6141 3111 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