The requirements for witnesses can vary between each of the Australian states and territories.
Generally, a witness should be:
- 18 years of age or older
- Mentally capable of making their own decisions (have capacity)
- A non-relative (except in the Australian Capital Territory that allows one of the two witnesses to be a relative)
- A person authorised to make statutory declarations (not required in all states)
It's recommended that you avoid using a witness who has a financial relationship with you. Also anyone named in the document or someone signing the POA on your behalf cannot be used as a witness.
There are many people who are authorised witnesses under the Statutory Declarations Act 1959 who can act as a witness. A person authorised to make such a declaration (other than a notary public) includes licensed professionals who are registered to practise in Australia, like chiropractors, dentists, legal practitioners, and more.
Be sure to check the requirements for witnesses for your region before completing the form.