Witnessing Stat Decs
As an optometrist, you may occasionally be asked whether you are able to witness Statutory Declarations.
A Statutory Declaration is a written statement declared to be true in the presence of an authorised witness. Statutory Declarations may relate to matters of either Commonwealth or State jurisdiction.
If you are asked to sign a Stat Dec you need to know whether it relates to a Commonwealth or a Victorian issue. The form will state at the top which jurisdiction the Statutory Declaration relates to: Commonwealth of Australia or State of Victoria.
Optometrists ARE AUTHORISED to witness Commonwealth Statutory Declarations. For further information on signing Commonwealth statutory declarations go to the link at www.ag.gov.au/statdec
Optometrists ARE NOT AUTHORISED to witness Victorian Statutory Declarations.
If you are not certain, you should seek clarification.
You may also be asked if you are able to certify documents as true copies, for the purposes of matters such as licensing.
Licenses
Other matters
If, in your capacity as an optometrist, you are asked to witness other forms (e.g., for university applications), you should make sure you are an acceptable witness. Often, these forms will explain who is authorised to witness or certify the documents. If in doubt, check with the institution or organisation, or you can contact us at the Association.
Witnessing Stat Decs
As an optometrist, you may occasionally be asked whether you are able to witness Statutory Declarations.
A Statutory Declaration is a written statement declared to be true in the presence of an authorised witness. Statutory Declarations may relate to matters of either Commonwealth or State jurisdiction.
If you are asked to sign a Stat Dec you need to know whether it relates to a Commonwealth or a Victorian issue. The form will state at the top which jurisdiction the Statutory Declaration relates to: Commonwealth of Australia or State of Victoria.
Optometrists ARE AUTHORISED to witness Commonwealth Statutory Declarations. For further information on signing Commonwealth statutory declarations go to the link at www.ag.gov.au/statdec
Optometrists ARE NOT AUTHORISED to witness Victorian Statutory Declarations.
If you are not certain, you should seek clarification.
You may also be asked if you are able to certify documents as true copies, for the purposes of matters such as licensing.
Licenses
Other matters
If, in your capacity as an optometrist, you are asked to witness other forms (e.g., for university applications), you should make sure you are an acceptable witness. Often, these forms will explain who is authorised to witness or certify the documents. If in doubt, check with the institution or organisation, or you can contact us at the Association.