Statutory Declaration Template Australia

Understanding statutory declarations in Australia

Use a statutory declaration when an organisation asks you to formally confirm facts for administrative or compliance purposes. The correct form depends on whether the receiving body is a Commonwealth (federal) agency or a state/territory body. The declaration must be signed in front of an authorised witness and false statements carry criminal penalties.

Statutory declaration template Australia (copy-and-use)

Below is a plain‑language template that follows common Australian requirements. Always confirm whether the recipient needs the Commonwealth form or your state/territory form, and ensure an authorised witness signs it correctly.

STATUTORY DECLARATION

I, [Your full name], of [Residential address], [Occupation], declare that:

1. [Set out each fact in numbered paragraphs. Be clear and specific.]
2. [If attaching documents, refer to them as Attachment A, B, etc.]

I understand that a person who intentionally makes a false statement in a statutory declaration is guilty of an offence.

Declared at [Suburb/City, State/Territory] on [Date].

Signature of person making declaration: _________________________
Full name: [Your full name]

In the presence of (authorised witness):

Signature of authorised witness: _______________________________
Full name of witness: [Name]
Qualification/office: [e.g., Justice of the Peace / Australian Lawyer / Police Officer]
Address or registration number (if applicable): [Details]

Official Australian statutory declaration forms

Authorised witnesses by state and territory

Authorised witnesses vary slightly across jurisdictions, but commonly include:

• Justice of the Peace (JP) or Commissioner for Declarations (QLD)
• Australian lawyer/solicitor or notary public
• Police officer
• Pharmacist, medical practitioner, dentist, nurse
• Teacher, bank officer, accountant (recognised categories vary)
• Certain public servants and Commonwealth/State officers

Digital statutory declarations and eSign options

For Commonwealth matters, electronic signatures and audio‑visual witnessing are now permitted under federal law, and a government digital statutory declaration option exists. For state/territory matters, many jurisdictions introduced permanent electronic or remote witnessing pathways with specific ID, platform and attestation requirements.

• Confirm whether the recipient accepts digital or remote witnessing.
• Use an approved platform where required, and keep the audit trail.
• If using paper, sign only in front of your authorised witness and bring suitable ID.

Costs and timing for a statutory declaration

Timeframe: Preparing and witnessing a simple declaration typically takes 10–20 minutes once the wording and attachments are ready.

Checklist: make your statutory declaration acceptable first time

• Use the correct Commonwealth or state/territory form.
• Draft facts in clear, numbered paragraphs; avoid opinions unless needed.
• Attach supporting documents and label them Attachment A, B, C…
• Bring photo ID and any required forms for the witness to complete.
• Do not sign until you are in front of the authorised witness.
• Ensure the witness completes their name, qualification and any registration number.
• Confirm if the recipient needs the original, a certified copy or a digital submission.

Which option fits your situation?

Official forms and guidance by jurisdiction

Statutory declaration FAQ

Need help with a statutory declaration?

Get a fast response from our Australian team. We can help you choose the right template, confirm witness rules for your jurisdiction, estimate costs, or arrange a quick lawyer review near you.