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This
Bulletin extract was posted
To all Authorised marriage celebrants Australia-wide in kit
form.
Commencement of the new Civil Marriage Celebrants Program
all Marriage Celebrants now must adhere to the Code of Practice
as laid down by the Attorney General's Department.
The
Code:
1
Application of this Code of Practice
This Code of Practice applies to marriage celebrants (being
persons authorised under subdivision C Division 1 of Part IV of
the Marriage Act 1961)
Note Under 39I (1) (b) of the Marriage Act 1961, if the Registrar
of Marriage Celebrant is satisfied that a marriage celebrant has
not complied with an obligation under section 39G of that Act. including
the Code of Practice the Registrar may take disciplinary measures
against the marriage celebrant
2
High Standard of Service
A marriage celebrant must maintain a high standard of service
in his or her professional conduct and practice.
3
Recognition of Significance of Marriage
A marriage celebrant must recognise the social, cultural and
legal significance of marriage and the marriage ceremony in the
Australian community and the importance of strong and respectful
family relationships.
4
Compliance with Marriage Act and other laws
A civil marriage celebrant must:
(a)
solemnise marriages according to the legal requirements of the
Marriage Act 1961 (Cth); and
(b)
observe the laws of the Commonwealth and of the State or Territory
where the
marriage is to be solemnised; and
(c)
prevent and avoid unlawful discrimination in the provision of marriage
celebrancy services.
5
General Requirements for Each Marriage Ceremony.
A marriage celebrant must respect the importance of the marriage
ceremony to the parties and the other persons organising the ceremony.
To that end, the marriage celebrant must do the following:
(a)
Give the parties information and guidance to enable them to choose
or compose a marriage
ceremony, that will meet their needs and expectations;
(b) respect the privacy and confidentiality
of the parties;
(c)
maintain appropriate facilities to interview parties and provide
office facilities, including facilities for the secure storage of
records;
(d) within a reasonable time before
the marriage ceremony:
·
(i) confirm
all details with the parties; and
·
(ii) ensure the
return of all personal documents belonging to the parties (unless
it is necessary to keep the documents for the ceremony); and
·
(iii) sign any
necessary declarations;
(e) if requested by the parties, conduct a marriage
ceremony rehearsal;
(f) ensure
that his or her personal presentation is of an appropriate standard
for the marriage ceremony and respects the expectations of the parties
in relation to the ceremony;
(g) make
efforts to ensure that the marriage ceremony is audible to all those
present, (using audio equipment if required);
(h)
ensure accuracy in the preparation of documents and in the conduct
of the marriage ceremony;
(I)
arrive at the venue for the marriage ceremony no later than the
time agreed with the parties
(J)
if the marriage celebrant has agreed to perform more than one wedding
ceremony on the same day:
(i) ensure that the parties to each marriage receive a level of
service that meets their separate and special requirements: and
(ii) be available at the venue for each marriage ceremony at least
20 minutes before he agreed commencement of each ceremony
(unless in the case of consecutive ceremonies, the ceremonies are
to be held at the same venue)
(k)
ensure that all relevant documents are completed and sent to the
appropriate registering authority within 14 days after the marriage
ceremony; as required by section 50 of the Marriage Act 1961
(l)
in relation to the provision of marriage services, accept
evaluative comment from the parties and use any comments to improve
performance;
(m)
give the parties information about how to notify the Commonwealth
Attorney-General’s Department of any concerns or complaints they
may have in regarding the marriage services provided by the marriage
celebrant
6
Knowledge and Understanding of Family Relationships Services
A marriage celebrant must:
(a) maintain
an up-to-date knowledge about appropriate family relationships services
in the community; and
(b)
inform parties about the range of information and services available
to them to enhance, and sustain them throughout, their relationship.
The Attorney-General's
Department website.
Marriage Celebrants Section
Family Law
Branch
Robert Garran Offices
National
Circuit
Barton ACT
2600
Ph. (02)
6234 4800
Fax. (02)
6234 4811
e-mail. marriagecelebrantssection@ag.gov.au
Web. www.ag.gov.au/celebrants
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