The innovation will make JPs available at the local Westfield Chermside shopping centre because “one of the great frustrations for people has been where to find a Justice of the Peace”, said Queensland Attorney General and Minister for Justice Rod Welford.

“Our government is delighted to be working in partnership with Westfield to establish this program and get it up and running at their Chermside centre,” Welford said.

JPs will volunteer their time at the centre two days a week and will be available to witness documents “such as affidavits, statutory declarations and land title documents”, Welford said.

Predicting the “smart idea” would be adopted elsewhere, Welford said “I would like to see this concept embraced by other shopping centres, not only in Brisbane but in regional Queensland”.

“We already have many JPs interested in volunteering their time and we are very grateful for their contribution of time [and] skill into our community,” he said.