• whether you have a sufficient knowledge of the law relating to the solemnisation of marriages by Marriage Celebrants;

• whether you are committed to advising couples of the availability of relationship support services;

• whether you are of good standing in the community;

• whether you have been convicted of an offence punishable by imprisonment for one year or longer, against a law of the Commonwealth,

• whether you have an actual or potential conflict of interest between your practice, or proposed practice, as a Marriage Celebrant and your business interests or interests such as employment or hobbies;

• whether your registration as a Marriage Celebrant would be likely to result in your gaining a benefit in respect of another business you own, control or carry out;

• whether you will fulfil your obligations as a Marriage Celebrant; and

• any other matter the Registrar considers relevant to whether you are a fit and proper person to be a Marriage Celebrant.

The appointments cap has been reached in the below areas for the assessment period 1 September 2005 to 31 August 2006.

(Victoria - Capital City Region, Victoria - Rest of State Region, Queensland - Capital City Region, Queensland - Rest of State Region, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales - Rest of State Region, New South Wales - Capital City Region, Western Australia - Capital City Region, Western Australia - Rest of State Region, South Australia - Capital City Region, South Australia - Rest of State Region, Northern Territory).

Waiting lists have commenced for these and the waiting lists for some of these areas are so extensive that applicants may be on the waiting list for more than one registration year.

Appointments will continue to be made on a lifetime basis, subject to satisfying ongoing requirements. Once authorised, a Marriage Celebrant will need to satisfy a range of obligations. These include:

• comply with a Code of Practice covering matters such as maintaining a high standard of service in professional conduct, complying with the Marriage Act 1961, other laws and a range of requirements for the conduct of marriage ceremonies;

• undertake professional development each year; and

• undergo regular reviews of performance to ensure continuing compliance with obligations.

Performance Reviews

All celebrants will undergo a performance review a maximum of every 5 years. Reviews will be based on consideration of matters such as any complaints received, compliance with the Code of Practice and satisfying requirements for ongoing professional development. Reviews may be conducted more regularly if required.

Complaints

A mechanism has been developed to deal with complaints against celebrants. Celebrants will have a right to be advised of the complaint against them and to put whatever material they think appropriate to the Registrar before any final decisions are made.

Sanctions may include a caution, a requirement that further professional development be undertaken, and the suspension of a celebrant for a given period of time and only as a last resort, the revocation of authorisation.