In Victoria, Australia, a statutory declaration must be signed by the declarant in the presence of an authorized witness who can also sign the document. Authorized witnesses under the Evidence Act 1958 and the Oaths and Affirmations Act 2018 include:
- Justice of the Peace or Bail Justice
- Public Notary
- Australian Lawyer or a clerk to an Australian lawyer
- Registrars or deputy registrars of various courts (Supreme, County, Magistrates’ Court)
- Police Officer
- Bank Manager
- Medical Practitioner or Dentist
- Minister of Religion authorized to celebrate marriages
- Pharmacist
- Veterinarian
- Accountant (e.g., Chartered Accountant, CPA)
- Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff
- Members or former members of the Parliament of Victoria or Commonwealth
- School Principal
- Various other government officials and certain registered professionals
The witness must verify the identity of the declarant, observe the signing, and then sign and date the declaration as evidence of witnessing. The witness should be over 18 and not a party to the declaration's subject matter. This comprehensive list ensures the statutory declaration is legally valid and can be recognized in official and legal contexts in Victoria.
