*****IMPORTANT ADVICE FOR ALL HONORARY JUSTICES FROM RVAHJ******
Revised HJ Services – Lifting Stage 4
In response to the announcement of lifting Stage 4 Coronavirus shutdown from the Vic. Government on Wednesday 17th February 2021, the RVAHJ recommends that all HJ’s can recommence services at DSS, community centres and at home as previously implemented. In doing so please take note of the additional restrictions on limited venue numbers and maintaining safe witnessing practices, i.e. use of face masks, hand sanitizing, social distancing, etc. This should remain in place for the periods as per communication by the Department of Health and noted on their website.
As per the Vic. Gov announcement all public venues will start to reopen and it is expected that all Police Stations and public buildings, e.g. Libraries, etc. will need to be contacted in regards to access by the general public which will include DSS activities.
Elwood Office
The Association Office in Elwood will reopen on Monday 22nd February in line with normal the Department of Health guidelines and our CovidSafe plan:
- Cathy will be back at the Elwood office as normal from next Monday.
- Witnessing and certification services will commence from Elwood from this time
- Phone calls will be answered as per normal business practices
- Email to [email protected] will be the best way to communicate with the office during peak times
- Association operations for inquiries will be back to normal from this time.
- For urgent issues or concerns, members should call the President on 0418 885 122, Secretary on 0458 222 673 or reach out to any of the other Board Members
Honorary Justices – Lifting of Stage 4 Activities
Remember that both Bail Justices and Justices of the Peace services will be dependant on the supporting venues guidelines and available resources.
At all times the safe work practices should be followed as shown below.
Download resource ‘Click Here’
Wherever possible, JPs can provide their services remotely. Stat Decs, Affidavits and Powers of Attorney can be done remotely online following the remote witnessing processes, as developed by the RVAHJ in line with the Omnibus Legislation 2020.
Note that Certified True Copies, Medical Treatment Decision Makers and Advanced Care Directives cannot be remotely witnessed.
Remote (Online) Witnessing
In order to be able to continue supporting the community with some level of witnessing and attestation services, the RVAHJ online witnessing system is still operating on Monday (morning 10am to 12pm), Wednesday (afternoon 2pm to 4pm) and Friday (evening 6pm to 8pm). This will be reviewed and additional time slots will be added as needed by public demand. If you would like to be part of this online witnessing service, please reach out to President Paul by phone or email to register your interest or for more information.
We thank all JPs and BJs for your incredible commitment to the local community during this difficult time.
Above all things, stay safe and look after yourself and your family.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Mracek JP FRVAHJ
President, RVAHJ