The Department of Justice is responsible for the administration and processing of applications for appointment of JPs.
The Governor makes the appointments on the recommendation of the Attorney General. The Department also provides information about JPs to the Tasmanian public.
The Department of Justice keeps the contact details of all JPs. Only the name, telephone number and suburb of JPs is available to the public.
Read more in the Handbook for Justices of the Peace which provides a comprehensive guide for practising JPs in Tasmania.
The Magistrates Court of Tasmania website contains information about the Tasmanian legal system. A glossary of legal terms can also be found on their website.
Updating your details
You must advise the Secretary of the Department of Justice
- within 21 days if your name, residential address or contact details have changed (Justices of the Peace Act 2018 section 17)
- if you cease to be an Australian citizen
- if you become insolvent or have been charged with, or found guilty of, an offence punishable by a term of imprisonment of six months or more within 21 days after the charge has been determined.
You can either
- update your details using the Change your details form
- write to the Secretary of the Department at GPO Box 825, Hobart, 7001 or
- email JP@justice.tas.gov.au.
Applying for reappointment
Reappointment as a Justice of the Peace (JP) is for the term of two years commencing on termination of the current or immediately preceding appointment to the office of JP, under the Justices of the Peace Act 2018 (external link).
As an appointed JP, you may apply for reappointment up to six months before or after you reach the age of 75 years, or within 6 months before or after the term of your appointment expires.
JPs can only reapply if
- you will be 75 years of age in the next six months or less
- you are 75 years of age, but have not yet reached the age of 75 years and six months
- your term of appointment will expire in the next six months or less
- your term of appointment has expired in the last six months or less
The Department encourages JPs who wish to be reappointed to apply within the six month period before they turn 75 or their appointment is expiring.
It is your responsibility to apply for reappointment before the end of your term. You may continue to seek reappointment every two years up to the age of 85 years.
Applications must be in the form approved by the Secretary.
To reapply
- submit the online reappointment form
- post to Secretary of the Department at GPO Box 825, Hobart, 7001, or
- email JP@justice.tas.gov.au.
Resign as a Justice of the Peace
At any time, you may resign from the office of Justice of the Peace by notifying the Secretary of the Department of Justice in writing, of your resignation, as set out in the Justices of the Peace Act 2018 (external link).
To notify the Secretary of the Department of Justice of your resignation
- submit the online resignation form
- post to Secretary of the Department at GPO Box 825, Hobart, 7001, or
- email JP@justice.tas.gov.au.
Your resignation will take effect when the notice of resignation is received by the Secretary.
Justice of the Peace associations
To promote and support Tasmanian Justices of the Peace, there are three associations to assist JPs in providing a high level of service to the Tasmanian public.
The associations advance the important role that JPs play in the justice system by providing professional development and training, regular updates on changes to a JP’s role and processes, and networking opportunities for their members.
Membership is voluntary but it is encouraged to ensure that JPs continue to support the Tasmanian community at the highest level.
If you are interested in joining an association, you may contact one of the following:
South
The Tasmanian Society of Justices of the Peace Inc.
GPO Box 805
HOBART TAS 7001
Phone: 0418 122 494
Email: admin@tsjpi.asu.au
North
The Honorary Justices’ Association of Tasmania Inc.
PO Box 1418
LAUNCESTON TAS 7250
Phone: (03) 6334 9699
Email: jpnorthtas@hjat.com.au
North West
The Honorary Justices’ Association of Tasmania-North/West-Inc.
PO Box 785
DEVONPORT TAS 7310
Phone: 0417 365 625
Email: hjatnorthwest@gmail.com
Resources for JPs
Access information and resources for practising JPs.