How Is A Authorised Witness Connected To AHPRA Documents?

AHPRA requires for applications for registration to have proof of identity with all supporting documentation to have the original sighted and or provide certified true copies with the application. As well as following the VOI ID protocol of confirming the identity of the person through providing relevant documentation, e.g. passport, drivers licence, etc.

Verification of identity (VOI) is an identification process to confirm that a person is who they claim they are. Identity fraud is a real threat and a serious issue in Australia, that states across the country have formalised VOI standards and requirements over the last few years, to prevent fraud in transactions. VOI is not just about complying with regulations, it’s about protecting the organisation and finding the right identity verification solution that’s fit for purpose. AHPRA as well as many other organisations, government bodies and associations have adopted the VOI process as part of their documentation and security protocols.

AHPRA has developed their own fact sheet in line with these guidelines as part of their application and registration process. The application for as of Oct 2019 can be found and downloaded via AHPRA Fact Sheet or through the resources section on the ‘materials tab’. Documents provided with an application for registration must be either certified as a true copy and or have a Statutory Declaration properly sworn and signed by an Authorised Officer (Witness).

Definitions

A certified copy is a copy of a primary document that has on it an endorsement or certificate that it is a true copy of the primary document by an authorised witness. It does not certify that the primary document is genuine, only that it is a true copy of the primary document.  Often used for providing a copy of education results from Universities, etc.

A statutory declaration is a written statement which the person making it (‘the declarant’) declares before an authorised witness (who is said to ‘take’ the declaration) to be true to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, and which is signed by the declarant before an authorised witness

Authorised Witnesses

Each state of Australia has determined and documented a list of those professions that are by legislation authorised officers or witnesses for certified copies of documents, swearing of Statutory Declarations and receiving of Affidavits. The list of professions is slightly different in each state as well as for those who are authorised for Commonwealth requirements. It is recommended to always check and confirm with each state authority before hand as well as the issuing and receiving body (organisations, etc.) requirements.

For Victoria the RVAHJ association has developed an information aide sheet for authorised witnesses of AHPRA proof of identity needs for registration application documents.
These are located in the resources section of the the ‘materials’ tab and can be used as a guide for signing documents.