Attorney-General Robert McClelland said it was imperative that jurisdictions agreed on a harmonised approach to statutory declarations, given the complexity of current arrangements.

“As part of ongoing efforts to cut red tape and reduce regulatory burdens, the new regime will reduce confusion and inconvenience for individuals and businesses across the country,” McClelland said.

Under the new regime, a national uniform statutory declaration form will be developed. Attorneys-General also requested that a consolidated list of authorised witnesses be compiled for their approval at the next meeting.

“The new approach will remove confusion surrounding exactly who can witness a statutory declaration,” McClelland said.