During the COVID-19 pandemic the Australian government and several states and territories introduced electronic signing and/or remote witnessing by audio-visual link for certain types of documents, including affidavits and statutory declarations.
Many jurisdictions introduced these measures temporarily and then subsequently made the arrangements permanent.
In South Australia, changes to the Oaths Regulations 2021 and related Codes of Practice will introduce these measures permanently from 1 January 2025. Additional changes have come into effect from August.
Changes to the Oaths Regulations on 22 August 2024 expand the types of people authorised to take affidavits. This now includes:
This follows changes made by the Oaths Regulations on 1 December 2021 to permanently expand the types of people authorised to witness statutory declarations.
Changes to the Oaths Regulations and the associated Code of Practice for Statutory Declarations and Code of Practice for Affidavits will:
Further information will be published in the Authorised witnesses page about the changes to the Oaths Regulations and Codes of Practice that will take effect from 1 January 2025.
Attorney-General's Department
https://www.agd.sa.gov.au/law-and-justice/legislation/statutory-declarations-affidavits-consultation
Sep 5, 2024 1:32 am
The Attorney-General's Department acknowledges and respects Aboriginal peoples as the state’s First Peoples and nations and recognises Aboriginal peoples as Traditional Owners and occupants of lands and waters in South Australia.
GPO Box 464
Adelaide SA 5001