Guy Barnett announces changes to Public Trustee, denies privatisation
Years after concerns were raised about Tasmania’s guardianship laws, the state government has announced a shake-up. But some say the move is risky, fearing the body will be privatised.
Tasmania
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The state government has rejected claims it is privatising the Public Trustee despite announcing it would outsource large parts of its work to the private sector.
The decision — which was made without consultation with the Trustee’s board — is contrary to the findings of a 2021 review by Damien Bugg KC that recommended the existing government business enterprise model be retained.
Attorney-General Guy Barnett made the announcement during budget estimates committee hearings on Monday.
Mr Barnett said the Public Trustee would be restructured and commercial will, estate and trustee services will be transferred to the private sector over the next 12 to 18 months.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the intent was to improve services.
“The changes to Public Trustee is all about making sure vulnerable Tasmanians are looked after and get better service from the Public Trustee,” Mr Rockliff said.
“These changes will actually, in fact, improve Public Trustee services for all Tasmania, but in particular, vulnerable Tasmanians.”
The Chair of the Public Trustee, Therese Taylor said the Board was “surprised” by the government’s announcement
“Following the independent review into the Public Trustee by Dr Damian Bugg AM KC, the Public Trustee has undergone unprecedented organisational change over the past two years, becoming a more client-focused and responsive organisation,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Following today’s announcement, there are many details relating to the proposed restructuring which will need to be determined. The Board remains committed to working constructively with the Government to represent the interests of our clients, to help inform the transition to ensure the restructured services continue to be best practice and that all clients receive a quality, effective and efficient service.”
Labor leader Dean Winter said it was hard to understand how moving to a for-profit model would improve the services being outsourced.
“How will privatising the Public Trustee ensure that it acts in the best interests of vulnerable Tasmanians, rather than private shareholders?” he said.
Greens MLC Cassy O’Connor said the plan was “fraught with risk”.
“The Greens will be watching this space very closely to ensure already vulnerable Tasmanians aren’t bled dry financially by the privatisation of core Public Trustee legal services,” she said.
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