
On 18 September 2018, changes to the Statutory Regulations 2018 commenced which included financial planners/advisers as professionals permitted to act as authorised witnesses for a Commonwealth statutory declaration.
As an authorised witness you must ensure any Statutory Declaration you witness meets the form and content requirements that are set out in Schedule 1 of the Regulations. Practical tips for ensuring you witness a valid Statutory Declaration are detailed in the FAQ’s on the Attorney-General’s Department website – have all your questions answered including:
This is a very positive outcome for both consumers and planners, and ends a 10 year campaign by the FPA. It creates a more cost effective, efficient and appropriate mechanism for clients who need documents witnessed. It is also significant government recognition of and trust in the financial planning profession, with financial planners/advisers given equal permission as lawyers, medical practitioners and justices of the peace.