From 1 January 2024, changes to the Commonwealth Statutory Declarations Act 1959 introduced new ways to complete Commonwealth statutory declarations. Please note these changes only relate to Commonwealth statutory declarations. Each Australian state and territory maintains its own legislation and requirements for statutory declarations, which in most cases still require physical or remote witnessing by an authorised person such as a JP or CD.
The changes to the Commonwealth Act provide for the option to create and submit a Commonwealth statutory declaration online through the myGov platform, using an approved Digital Identity.
Where a person’s Digital Identity is verified at the required level, the declaration does not need to be witnessed by a JP or CD. These digitally completed declarations are legally binding under Commonwealth law.
Further information is available on the Attorney-General's Department website, including guidance on how to create a digital Commonwealth statutory declaration and how to make a Commonwealth statutory declaration with a witness (in-person or remotely).