On Monday 16 June 2025, 16 new public notaries were appointed by the Supreme Court.
A ceremonial sitting to appoint the new public notaries was held in Banco Court, with Justice Steven Moore presiding. After swearing the Oath or Affirmation of Office, Justice Moore made an order appointing each candidate, and invited them to sign the roll of public notaries kept by the Court.
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 Victoria, public notaries are appointed by the Supreme Court and governed by the Public Notaries Act 2001. 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.