How statutory declarations work in Australia

Govadmin · AU

What a statutory declaration is, when you need one, and the difference between state and Commonwealth declarations.

A statutory declaration is a written statement declared to be true in the presence of an authorised witness (e.g. a Justice of the Peace or lawyer). It is used when a government form or organisation needs proof of a fact that cannot be verified another way.

State vs Commonwealth: each state has its own Act (e.g. Victoria's Oaths and Affirmations Act 2018); federal matters use the Statutory Declarations Act 1959 (Cth). Use the right form for the right purpose.

Making a false statutory declaration is a criminal offence — never sign one you are not certain is accurate.

This is legal information, not legal advice.