On Monday 24 June 2024, 20 new public notaries were appointed by the Supreme Court.
A ceremonial sitting marking the appointment of 20 new public notaries was held in Banco Court, with Justice Stephen O'Meara presiding.
A public notary, also known as a ‘notary public’ or ‘notary’, is a person authorised to witness or certify legal documents that will be recognised by both Australian and foreign courts and authorities. This is as distinct from a Justice of the Peace, whose independent verification of legal documents is recognised within Australia only.
In order to become a public notary, candidates must have practised law for more than five years and satisfied the admission requirements of the Victorian Legal Admissions Board.
After swearing the Oath or Affirmation of Office, Justice O'Meara invited the appointees to sign the roll, after which they were congratulated by the Prothonotary who keeps the roll of public notaries.
A list of the 2024 appointees is available on the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB) website.