By Belinda Nolan
Under the new scheme, JPs will come under greater scrutiny than ever before, with a new complaints process in place to allow the community to question their conduct.
The government undertook a review of the role after a scandalous Ombudsman’s report revealed a culture of misconduct that implicated councillors, MPs and a Brimbank JP.
Following the release of the Ombudsman’s report, former Brimbank Mayor Natalie Suleyman’s father was sensationally stripped of his role as a JP after being accused of attempting to influence council decisions.
Attorney-General Rob Hulls decided to review JPs, amid claims Mr Suleyman’s role in the Ombudsman’s report had dampened public confidence in the role.
The review considered more than 600 submissions from JPs, community groups and police.
Although the government had considered scrapping JPs, the review found the role should be retained.
The review also recommended that the government impose five-year limits on JPs, rather than appoint them for life.
Mr Hulls said the appointment process would also be changed, including a targeted regional recruitment and formalised training.
