Public Trustee changes to have ‘significant impact’

Vulnerable Queenslanders with much-needed cash tied up in the state’s Public Trustee will be given greater access to their finances through a “nation-leading” initiative.

Vulnerable Queenslanders with much-needed cash tied up in the state’s Public Trustee will be given greater access to their finances through a “nation-leading” initiative.

The public authority has been thrust into the spotlight in recent years following disturbing revelations of Queenslanders being denied access to finances due to exorbitant fees and mismanagement.

The trustee was created to protect the finances of people with cognitive issues such as intellectual disabilities, dementia and brain injuries, but many had been locked out after being imposed to an administration order.

But a new referral pathway with the Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion, revealed as part of new reforms, will provide independent advice to empower customers to make a more informed decision.

It was hoped the better access to information will lead to Queenslanders being able to revoke administration orders more easily.

Ms Fentiman said the move will allow Queenslanders to retake control of their finances. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman said the move will support those who have capacity to retake control of their financial affairs.

“This referral pathway is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of clients who are under administration, and I commend the Public Trustee for taking this nation-leading step,” she said.

“By providing access to independent advice and support, customers will be able to make more informed decisions and take greater control over their own lives.”

Samay Zhouand, Queensland Public Trustee, said the move is part of the authority’s reforms. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

The referral pathway with QAI, an independent community organisation for people with disability, will also provide advice and support clients through the complex process of lodging applications with QCAT in order to have their administration orders revoked, the group’s chief executive Matilda Alexander said.

“QAI works with clients to build supported decision-making frameworks so they can regain autonomy and independence,” he said.

“Our specialised lawyers will stand up for the human rights of people with disability seeking to revoke their orders.

“In doing so, we will maintain our fierce defence of the human rights of people with disability and our independence.”

Queensland Public Trustee Samay Zhouand said the initiative was part of its ‘customers first’ reforms.

“We are committed to ensuring that customers have more choice and control over their financial affairs,” he said.

“Our arrangement with QAI is an important step in this direction, as it will enable customers to receive independent advice and support when they are considering a review of their administration order.”

In October, it was revealed the Public Trustee would reduce some of its fees and charges to support vulnerable Queenslanders following an independent review.

The Attorney-General said at the time there would be immediate relief for the majority of the authority’s customers whose assets were under financial management.

Originally published as Public Trustee changes to have ‘significant impact’