Affidavit Of Good Conduct Template for Australia

An Affidavit of Good Conduct is a sworn legal document that formally declares your character and conduct for official purposes in Australia. You'll need this document when applying for sensitive employment positions, professional licenses, or immigration matters where authorities require verified proof of your good standing in the community.

When do you need this document?

You'll typically require an Affidavit of Good Conduct when applying for positions in education, healthcare, finance, or government sectors that involve working with vulnerable populations or handling sensitive information. Immigration applications often require this document to demonstrate your character to Australian authorities. Professional licensing bodies, including legal, medical, and financial services regulators, frequently request these affidavits as part of their registration processes. Employers conducting enhanced background checks may also require this formal declaration, particularly for executive roles or positions requiring security clearances.

Key legal considerations

Your affidavit must include accurate personal information, declarations about your criminal history, and character references that can be independently verified. The document requires specific formatting including your full legal name, address, occupation, and detailed statements about your conduct and character. You must disclose any criminal convictions, pending charges, or professional disciplinary actions, as false declarations carry serious legal consequences including criminal charges for perjury. The affidavit must be witnessed by an authorized person who can verify your identity, and all statements must be truthful and complete to avoid legal liability under Australian law.

Legal requirements in Australia

Under the Statutory Declarations Act 1959, your Affidavit of Good Conduct must be witnessed by specific authorized persons including justices of the peace, legal practitioners, or notary publics who are registered in Australia. The document must follow prescribed formatting requirements and include standard oath or affirmation statements confirming the truthfulness of your declarations. State and territory variations may apply to witnessing requirements and acceptable formats, so you should verify local requirements with the requesting authority. The Crimes Act 1914 and Evidence Act 1995 govern the legal consequences of false statements, making accuracy essential for avoiding criminal liability. Professional bodies may have additional requirements for character declarations that supplement the standard affidavit format.