Authorised Witness List

Commonwealth (Federal) Authorised Witnesses for Legal Validity in Australia

The list of authorised witnesses for Commonwealth statutory declarations is defined under the Statutory Declarations Act 1959 and the Statutory Declarations Regulations 2023. These individuals must be 18 years or older, have a professional connection to Australia, and not have a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the matter being declared (e.g., not a spouse, sibling, or related party).

Key Categories of Authorised Witnesses:

Legal Practitioners:

Enrolled on the roll of the Supreme Court of a State or Territory, or the High Court of Australia (no practising certificate required).

Health Practitioners (registered in Australia):

Medical practitioner, dentist, nurse, pharmacist, psychologist, optometrist, physiotherapist, chiropractor, occupational therapist, midwife, veterinary surgeon, registered medical practitioner, or other health professional registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (AHPRA).

Accountants:

Fellow of the National Tax Accountants’ Association, or member of:

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand

Association of Taxation and Management Accountants

CPA Australia

Institute of Public Accountants

Engineers:

Member of Engineers Australia (non-student),

Registered Professional Engineer of Professionals Australia,

Registered as an engineer under Commonwealth, State, or Territory law,

Registered on the National Engineering Register by Engineers Australia.

Public Officials and Government Employees:

Justice of the Peace (JP),

Commissioner for Affidavits or Declarations,

Notary public (including those operating outside Australia),

Permanent employee of the Australian Postal Corporation with 5+ years of service in a public postal office,

Permanent employee of a State, Territory, or local government authority with 5+ years of continuous service (not otherwise specified),

Senior Executive Service (SES) officer of the Commonwealth, State, or Territory,

Australian Public Service (APS) employee with 5+ years of continuous service (not otherwise authorised),

Employee of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission or Commonwealth authority with 5+ years of service (authorised in writing by DFAT),

Australian Consular Officer or Diplomatic Officer (under the Consular Fees Act 1955).

Other Authorised Officers:

Police officer, police reservist, or protective service officer (PSO),

Bailiff, sheriff, or sheriff’s officer,

School principal or teacher employed on a permanent basis at a school or tertiary institution,

Member of the Australian Defence Force (officer, non-commissioned officer with 5+ years, or warrant officer),

Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy,

Member of the Governance Institute of Australia Ltd,

Registered marriage celebrant,

Any person empowered by law to administer affidavits (e.g., court registrar, arbitrator, tribunal member).

✅ Important Notes:

Notary publics do not need to be registered in Australia to be authorised.

Remote witnessing via audio-visual link (e.g., Zoom) is permitted in most jurisdictions due to changes post-COVID-19, but must follow specific rules.

Family members or parties with a financial interest cannot witness a declaration.

Always confirm the witness’s current status and eligibility with the relevant authority or organisation.

For the official, up-to-date list, refer to the Attorney-General’s Department: [here]