Commissioners for Declarations
Functions of a Commissioner for Declarations (CDs)
Commissioners serve the public by signing documents that need a qualified witness. Although the role of a CD is purely administrative, Commissioners are empowered to exercise some of the ministerial functions of justices.
A CD can:
- witness signatures to documents
- certify a true copy of an original document (subject to any specific instructions)
- witness a statutory declaration
A CD cannot:
- issue summons or warrants
- take or receive an oath, affidavit or affirmation
- receive a complaint
Who can be a Commissioner for Declarations
The Minister may appoint persons to be CDs. A person may also be a CD if that person is:
(a) authorised to practice as a member of a profession;
(b) a person listed in an employment group; or
(c) a member of a group of persons declared by the Minister to be an occupational group.
Follow this link for a complete list of people who are Commissioners for Declarations because of their professions and employment groups.