Governance
The Public Trustee is a Government Business Enterprise (GBE) owned by the Tasmanian Government on behalf of the Tasmanian Community. It was established under the Government Business Enterprises Act 1995.
The Board of the Public Trustee is responsible to the Treasurer and the Attorney-General for managing and conducting the business and affairs of the Public Trustee in accordance with sound commercial practice. It ensures that the Public Trustee performs its statutory obligations.
In carrying out its responsibilities the Board:
- sets the strategic direction of the organisation;
- secures and monitors organisational performance;
- ensures compliance with statutory requirements; and
- manages risk.
The Board currently comprises five independent Directors. Directors are appointed by the Treasurer and the Attorney-General on the recommendation of the Board. Directors are selected on the basis of their complementary skills and ability to add value to the Board.
A number of committees have been established to assist the Board in carrying out its functions and responsibilities.
One of the major responsibilities of the Board is to manage risk, not only in the interest of the Public Trustee, but also to protect the interest of its clients. The Audit Committee is responsible for monitoring corporate risk assessment processes and controls and the establishment of, and ongoing compliance with, an internal risk control framework.
The Public Trustee manages large sums of money on behalf of its clients. It has established an Investment Committee which also has responsibility for the oversight of the organisation’s investment review processes to ensure that appropriate client investment decisions are made. Clients are assured that the Public Trustee has the necessary safeguards in place to protect their interests.
These arrangements ensure that the Public Trustee has the appropriate governance structures in place to ensure that it operates as a successful Government Business Enterprise in a competitive commercial environment.
-
Annual Reports
- Annual Report 2021/2022
- Annual Report 2020/2021
- Annual Report 2019/2020
- Annual Report 2018/2019
- Annual Report 2017/2018
- Annual Report 2016/2017
- Annual Report 2015/2016
- Annual Report 2014/2015
- Annual Report 2013/2014
- Annual Report 2012/2013
- Annual Report 2011/2012
- Annual Report 2010/2011
- Annual Report 2009/2010
- Annual Report 2008/2009
- Annual Report 2007 / 2008
- Annual Report 2006 / 2007
- Annual Report 2005 / 2006
- Annual Report 2004 / 2005
- Annual Report 2003 / 2004
- Annual Report 2002 / 2003
- Annual Report 2001 / 2002
- Annual Report 2000 / 2001
- Financial Statements 2001
Ministerial Charter
-
Statement of Corporate Intent
Introduction
This Statement of Corporate Intent (SCI) is a high level summary of the Corporate Plan and includes a performance agreement between the Board of the Public Trustee and the Shareholding Ministers.
The performance agreement details the key financial and non-financial targets for the Public Trustee for 2022-23, as agreed between the Board and the Shareholding Ministers through the 2022-23 Corporate Planning process. It also details estimates for the following three years.
The SCI has been prepared in accordance with the Ministerial Charter for the Public Trustee.
Strategic direction
The Public Trustee is a Government Business Enterprise (GBE) established by the Public Trustee Act 1930. Principal commercial activities undertaken include the provision to the general community of access to professional advice and service in relation to trustee services including:
- preparation of wills
- estate administration
- trust management and powers of attorney; and
- protection of the financial interests of individuals under a legal, physical or intellectual disability where the Public Trustee is appointed to act on their behalf.
The strategic direction of the Public Trustee has changed.
Our aim is to provide a safety net to all Tasmanians, always: helping them to protect their legacy through our services of wills, estates and financial administration.
Core to our purpose is the provision of financial administration services to Represented Persons.
Over the Corporate Plan period the Public Trustee will be focussed on the following goals:
- Our customer is central
- Strong and trusted relationships with stakeholders
- A committed, capable and engaged workforce; and
- A fit for purpose business model.
The Treasurer and the Attorney-General have advised that no dividend will be payable in relation to the Public Trustee’s 2021-22 or 2022-23 operations. Instead, any profits are expected to be invested by the Public Trustee into supporting its response to the recommendations from the Independent Review.
Performance Agreement
This Performance Agreement sets out the key financial and non-financial targets for 2022-23 and estimates for the following three years are detailed in the tables below.
Financial Returns to Government
Target
Estimates
2022-23
2023-24
2024-25
2025-26
Dividends Paid ($ ‘000)
-
-
-
-
Tax Equivalents Paid/(Refund) ($ ’000)
-
-
-
-
Total
-
-
-
-
Financial Targets
Target
Estimates
2022-23
2023-24
2024-25
2025-26
Operating Expenditure ($’000)
11,430
11,385
11,789
12,222
Operating Profit/(Loss) After Tax ($’000)
(130)
83
(189)
(367)
Total Comprehensive Income ($’000)
62
275
3
(176)
Capital Expenditure ($ ‘000)
100
100
100
100
Operating Margin
0.98
1.01
0.98
0.96
Return on Assets (%)
(0.7%)
0.5%
(1.1%)
(2.1%)
Return on Equity (%)
0.6%
2.5%
0.0%
(1.6%)
Capital Adequacy (%)
39.0%
40.8%
41.5%
41.6%
Performance of Common Fund
Return objective: Performance above RBA Cash rate.
Performance of Group Investment Fund No.2
Return objective: CPI + 2% per annum over rolling 5 year periods.
Performance of Corporate Investments
Return objective: CPI + 2% per annum over rolling 5 year periods.
Key Non-Financial Performance Indicators
Target
Estimates
2022-23
2023-24
2024-25
2025-26
Number of total new wills completed
800
850
900
950
Beneficiary survey results
(overall satisfaction rating)95%
95%
95%
95%
Will client survey results
(overall satisfaction rating)100%
100%
100%
100%
New performance indicators in response to the Independent Review:
Target
Estimates
2022-23
2023-24
2024-25
2025-26
Number of Wills revoked / later Wills (average per month)
60
30
15
10
Represented Person survey (%)
75
80
85
90
Stakeholder engagement survey (%)
75
80
85
90
Obligations under the Guardianship and Administration Act 1995 Act to represented persons in respect of promoting their independence and communication in respect of their wishes:
New clients consulted following receipt of order from TasCAT:
Will, preference and rights identified and
documented (%)100
100
100
100
New clients: Contact to be made within 5 days of receipt of order from TasCAT (%)
90
90
90
90
Existing clients consulted annually:
Will, preference and rights reviewed, confirmed, and documented (%)
100
100
100
100
Consult with clients to identify participation in financial independence program (%)
100
100
100
100
Culture – staff engagement survey
75
80
85
90
Community Service Obligations
In line with the terms of the Public Trustee’s Ministerial Charter, the Government will provide funding to assist in meeting the cost of non-commercial activities (Community Service Obligations) required to be undertaken by the Public Trustee.
The Public Trustee performs the following Community Service Obligations on behalf of the Government:
- Administration of Absolute Estates with a gross asset value of less than $60 000.
- Administration of Continuing Trust and Life Tenancy Estates with a gross asset value of less than $100 000.
- Administration and management of Minor Trusts with a gross asset value of less than $20 000.
- Management of assets for Represented Persons with a gross asset value of less than $100 000.
Following the undertaking of the Independent Review and in recognition of the significant work and change being undertaken by the Public Trustee to implement the Review’s recommendations, an interim CSO Agreement is being finalised for 2022-23, with a new CSO Agreement to be drafted for 2023-24 onwards. A summary of the expected funding amounts is set out as follows:
CSO Funding
Target
Estimates
2022-23
2023-24
2024-25
2025-26
Community Service Obligations
($ ‘000)3,321
3,389
3,457
3,474
Definitions
Operating Profit Before Tax means operating revenue less operating expenditure.
Comprehensive Income includes remeasurement of defined benefit obligation and fair value movements in investments in managed funds (net of related tax)
Total Comprehensive Income means operating profit for the year after tax + Comprehensive Income.
Operating Margin means operating revenue / operating expenditure.
Return on Assets means operating profit before Tax/[(Opening Assets + Closing Assets)/2].
Return on Equity means Total Comprehensive Income/[(Opening Equity + Closing Equity)/2].
Capital Adequacy means Tangible Reserves / Tangible Assets.
-
Board Charter
The Board has adopted this Charter setting out its powers and functions and operational details relating to the Board.
The Charter is reviewed annually.
Role of the Board
The Board is responsible to the Portfolio Minister and Treasurer (the Shareholder Ministers) for:
- ensuring that the business and affairs of the Public Trustee are managed and conducted in a manner that is in accordance with sound commercial practice;
- the performance by the Public Trustee of its functions; and
- the achievement by the Public Trustee of its objectives as specified in the Government Business Enterprises Act 1995 (“the Act”) and as set out in the Corporate Plan of the Public Trustee.
Powers and Functions
The Board has the power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done in connection with the performance and exercise of its functions and powers under the Act or any other
Act, including:- recommending the appointment (or removal) of the CEO to the Portfolio Minister;
- recommending the appointment of the Chairperson and directors of the Board to the Shareholder Ministers;
- establishing committees to assist in carrying out its responsibilities;
- providing delegations to the CEO and Senior Management;
- approving any matters in excess of delegations to the CEO and Senior Management in relation to business transactions, credit transactions, risk limits and expenditure;
- approving the annual budget, the corporate plan, risk management strategy and compliance procedures;
- approving and monitoring strategic and financial objectives and performance targets;
- monitoring and assessing management’s performance in achieving the strategies, performance targets and budgets approved by the Board;
- monitoring the financial performance and other required reporting by management;
- evaluating annually, the performance of the CEO and the Board;
- monitoring compliance with regulatory requirements;
- overseeing the risk management strategy and monitoring business risks;
- ensuring effective internal control systems;
- ensuring that management acts in the interests of the Public Trustee, takes into account the Shareholder Ministers expectations, complies with the various laws which impact on its operations and complies with relevant Government policies;
- providing an Annual Report to the Shareholder Ministers in accordance with the requirements of the GBE Act;
- delivering quarterly financial reports to the Treasurer;
- submitting annually a draft Corporate Plan and Statement of Corporate Intent covering four financial years commencing from the day it takes effect for approval by the Shareholder Ministers; and
- keeping the Shareholder Ministers informed of key financial and operational risks,
business operations, achievement of performance targets, operational or policy issues
and major customer and environmental issues.
Membership
The Board of Directors consists of:
- the chairperson of the Board; and
- not less than 3 and no more than 8 other persons.
The Chairperson and directors are appointed by the Governor on the joint recommendation of the Shareholder Ministers after considering recommendations made by the Board.
When a Director vacancy arises, the Board will conduct a skills audit to identify complementary skills to those of the current directors that meet the strategic needs of the organisation. When this is completed, a Director Role Statement will be prepared describing the knowledge, experience and skills being sought. Current Directors may nominate person(s) for consideration. A Panel comprising two directors and independent person will be established to prepare recommendations.
The process for the selection a new Chair will be conducted by the Department of Justice.
Board Committees
The Public Trustee is required to have an Audit Committee and an Investment Committee.
The Board may also establish other committees from time to time.
The Board will adopt charters or terms of reference setting out the composition, responsibilities, administration and other matters that the Board may consider appropriate
to that committee.All minutes of the Committee meetings including recommendations for approval by the Board will be tabled at the next meeting of the Board.
Remuneration
Directors are paid an annual fee in accordance with Government Guidelines.
Board/CEO Relationship
The Board sets the objectives and strategies for the Public Trustee and delegates the responsibility to the CEO for implementation. The CEO is responsible to the Board for implementation of those strategies and objectives.
The CEO is appointed by the Premier on the recommendation of the Portfolio Minister, after receiving the recommendation of the Board.
The Board assesses the performance of the CEO on an annual basis.
Induction and continuing education
The Board provides induction materials for new directors and opportunities for ongoing professional development for all directors.
Board Performance Evaluation
Each year the Board undertakes an evaluation of the performance of the Board, the Chair and its committees. Where the Board determines it necessary, the evaluation will be conducted by an external facilitator.
Code of Conduct
The Board has established a Code of Conduct for all directors. The Board reviews the Code annually.
Access to Independent Professional Advice
All directors of the Board have the right to seek independent professional advice in relation to matters pertaining to the Public Trustee and their role as a director. The cost of that advice
will be paid for by the Public Trustee.When seeking such advice, directors will inform the Chairperson in advance.
-
Disclaimers
We prepared a list of general information about the services offered by the Public Trustee in Tasmania. If you require advice or information about your personal circumstances please contact your nearest Public Trustee branch or call 1800 068 784.
Accuracy of information
We do not warrant that this website contains accurate information. The information on this website and the form of the website is subject to change without notice and the information may not be up-to-date at the time the website is accessed by you. Other websites linked to this website may not be accurate. Other websites accessed via links on this website (“Linked Websites”) are not endorsed or approved by the Public Trustee and are outside its control. We give no warranties concerning information on Linked Websites. You must use your own judgment regarding the accuracy of any information contained on those Linked Websites.
Viruses and other defects
The Public Trustee does not warrant that this website or any Linked Websites are free of infection by computer viruses; or that it will function effectively, efficiently and be available at all times. We also do not warrant that our site will not adversely affect the security of your computer and/ or contain other defects.
Copyright
Unless otherwise acknowledged, the copyright in the information and graphics on this website belong to the Public Trustee. You may only print this information or display and/or store this information on your computer, if it is for your own personal information and non-commercial use. No link may exist to this website from another website and no information from this website may appear on any other website without the express permission of the Public Trustee. If you wish to store or print material from a Linked Website to this one, it is your responsibility to obtain the copyright owner’s permission. The Public Trustee does not warrant that Linked Websites comply with copyright.
Specific exclusions and disclaimers
The Public Trustee and its employees and agents to the extent permitted by law:
- accept no responsibility for any loss or damages arising out the use of any information contained on this website or a Linked Website “website information”, whether such loss or damages is caused by negligence of the Public Trustee, its employees and agents or otherwise;
- make no representations either expressed or implied, as to the suitability of the website information or its usefulness for any particular purpose;
- make no representations concerning the quality, accuracy, merchantability or fitness for any purpose of any website information.
To the extent permitted by law, the Public Trustee, its employees and agents will not be liable for any loss or damage resulting from the use of this website or any website information including but not limited to loss or damages caused by the negligence of the Public Trustee, its servants or agents. This website is governed by Tasmanian law and it is a condition of use that you irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Tasmanian Courts. The information contained on this website is intended for use by Tasmanian residents only.
Privacy
The purpose of the Privacy Policy is to inform our clients how we collect, use and protect personal information. The Public Trustee provides a number of services to the Tasmanian community including preparation of Wills and powers of attorney, estate and trust administration, acting as attorney or as financial administrator when appointed by the Guardianship and Administration Board.
Personal information Collected
The Public Trustee collects personal information about our clients to enable us to provide services or to carry out statutory functions. The type of personal information collected includes names, addresses, dates of birth, contact details, financial institution account numbers, details about assets such as property, shares, superannuation etc. Sensitive information such as health information will be collected with your consent or if required or permitted by law. The Public Trustee is governed by the Personal Information Protection Act 2004, the Public Trustee Act 1930 and the Guardianship and Administration Act 1995. We take reasonable steps to ensure that personal information we hold is accurate, complete and up-to-date.
Access to and Correction of Information
The Personal Information Protection Act 2004 provides that you can access personal information about you held by the Public Trustee. If the personal information is incorrect, incomplete, out of date or misleading, you can request the information be amended. Requests to access or correct personal information about you that is held by the Public Trustee will be processed in accordance with the provisions of the Right To Information Act 2009. For further information contact the:
Right To Information Officer
Phone 62355253
GPO Box 1565, Hobart, 7001.
Depending on the nature of the request, a fee may be charged for this service. If you are not satisfied with the handling or outcome of your request for access to or correction of your personal information, you can lodge a complaint with the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman’s Office can be contacted on 1800 001 170 or email at ombudsman@justice.tas.gov.au.
Use and Disclosure of Personal Information
Our staff are only provided with or have access to the information that is necessary for them to carry out their functions within the Public Trustee. All staff are required to ensure all information remains confidential. Personal information will be used only for the purpose described in the “Personal Information Collected” section above. Otherwise, your personal information will only be disclosed with your consent or if it is required by or authorised by law. For example the Public Trustee may be required to disclose personal information to a Court or a Tribunal. There may be a need to disclose some or all information we collect to agents of the Public Trustee for the purpose of obtaining a service.
-
Privacy Policy
Introduction
The purpose of this Policy is to inform our clients how we collect, use and protect personal information.The Public Trustee provides a number of services to the Tasmanian community including preparation of Wills and powers of attorney, estate and trust administration, acting as attorney for people requiring assistance to manage their financial affairs or as financial administrator of people when appointed by the Tasmanian Civil & Administrative Tribunal.
Personal information collected
The Public Trustee collects personal information including details such as addresses, marital and family circumstances and financial affairs about our clients for the purposes of enabling us to provide our services or to carry out our statutory functions.Such information is collected directly from clients or incidental to the appointment of the Public Trustee as trustee, executor or administrator.
The type of personal information the Public Trustee collects includes names, addresses, date of birth, contact details, financial institution account numbers, details about assets such as property, shares, superannuation etc. In addition, we collect other specific information about our clients that may be required for the purpose of discharging our functions. Sensitive information, such as health information, will generally only be collected with your consent if it is necessary, or if the collection of that information is required or permitted by law.
Under the Personal Information Protection Act 2004, the Public Trustee is the custodian of personal information it collects and the collection, use and disclosure of information which is to be used by the Public Trustee is governed by that Act, the Public Trustee Act 1930, the Guardianship and Administration Act 1995 and the Australian Privacy Principles set out in the Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Act 2012 (Cth).
The Public Trustee takes reasonable steps to ensure that the personal information it holds is accurate, complete and up to date. Where practicable, the Public Trustee checks on the accuracy of personal information.
Unique Identifiers
The Public Trustee does not assign unique identifiers to people unless it is necessary for it to carry out functions efficiently or as required by law. The Public Trustee does not adopt as its unique identifiers the unique identifiers from other organisations. However, the Public Trustee may collect unique identifiers assigned to clients by another organisation, but will not disclose these without lawful authority.Access to and Correction of Information Collected
The Personal Information Protection Act 2004 provides that a person can access their personal information held by the Public Trustee.If a person considers the personal information the Public Trustee holds regarding them to be incorrect, incomplete and out of date or misleading, they can request the information be amended.
Requests to access or correct your personal information held by the Public Trustee will be processed in accordance with the provisions of the Right to Information Act 2009 and /or the Australian Privacy Principles.
For further information contact the Right to Information and/or Privacy Officer, phone 62 355 250 GPO Box 1565 Hobart 7001 and by email, tpt@publictrustee.tas.gov.au.
Depending upon the nature of the request a fee may be charged for this service.
If you are not satisfied with the handling or outcome of your request for access to or correction of your personal information, you can lodge a complaint with the Privacy Officer of the Public Trustee or with the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman’s Office can be contacted on 1800 001 170 (cost of local call outside Hobart area) and by email at ombudsman@justice.tas.gov.au.
Use and Disclosure of Personal Information
Staff are provided with or have access to the information that is necessary for them to carry out their functions within the Public Trustee. All staff are bound by confidentiality requirements.Personal information will be used only for the purpose described in the Personal Information Collected and the Australian Privacy Principles. Otherwise, personal information will only be disclosed with consent of the person to whom the information relates, or if it is required by or authorised by law. For example, the Public Trustee may be required to disclose personal information to a Court or a Tribunal. The Public Trustee seeks compliance to the same regulatory constraints regarding disclosure from entities overseas and in other jurisdictions if required to disclose to such entities.
The Public Trustee provides regular statements of account to clients where they are the beneficiary of a trust or where the Public Trustee has been appointed as their financial administrator or attorney. However, where a client is under a disability, whether legal or otherwise, for example, a minor, the Public Trustee may forward these statements to someone other than the client, such as a parent, spouse, guardian or carer etc.
There may be a need or requirement to disclose some or all information collected to contractors and agents of the Public Trustee for the purpose of obtaining a service.
The Personal Information Protection Act permits the disclosure of “basic personal information” (that is, name, address, date of birth and gender) to other public sector bodies where necessary for the efficient storage and use of information.
Some information collected may be used in research, statistical analysis, state or national reporting, awareness programs, public statements or training, but not in a way that would identify the person to whom it relates.
People have the right to request the source of the personal information held by the Public Trustee, opt out of receiving direct marketing communications from the Public Trustee, and opt out of disclosure of their personal information for third party marketing. Such options can be exercised by contacting the Privacy Officer as referred to above.
Security of Personal Information
We use a number of procedural, physical and technical safeguards, including access controls, secure methods of communication and back-up and recovery systems to protect information from misuse and loss, unauthorised access, modification and disclosure.Generally, information is destroyed or permanently de-identified when it is no longer required. However, under the Archives Act 1983, some information is required to be kept for specified periods or permanently.
The Public Trustee is bound by the National Privacy Principles for handling personal information. To find out more about your rights and the Public Trustee’s obligations, contact the Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner (www.privacy.gov.au).
-
Right to Information
What is the Right to Information?
As the Public Trustee is a Government Business Enterprise, there are certain legal procedures that must be adhered to. The Right to Information Act 2009 commenced on 1 July 2010 and provides for greater access to information held by government bodies by:
- authorising and encouraging greater routine disclosure of information held by public authorities without the need for requests or applications;
- authorising and encouraging greater active disclosure of information held by public authorities in response to informal requests without the need for applications;
- giving members of the public an enforceable right to information held by public authorities; and
- providing that access to information held by government bodies is restricted in only limited circumstances which are defined in the Act.
Why do we have a Right to Information Act?
Section 3 of the Act includes this statement of the objects of the Act:
(1) The object of this Act is to improve democratic government in Tasmania-
(a) by increasing the accountability of the executive to the people of Tasmania; and
(b) by increasing the ability of the people of Tasmania to participate in their governance; and
(c) by acknowledging that information collected by public authorities is collected for and on behalf of the people of Tasmania and is the property of the State;(2) This object is to be pursued by giving members of the public the right to obtain information held by public authorities and Ministers.
(3) This object is also to be pursued by giving members of the public the right to obtain information about the operations of Government.(4) It is the intention of Parliament -
(a) that this Act be interpreted so as to further the object set out in subsection (1); and
(b) that discretions conferred by this Act be exercised so as to facilitate and promote, promptly and at the lowest reasonable cost, the provision of the maximum amount of official information.How do I get access to my information?
The Public Trustee is required by the Right to Information Act 2009 to make information available to the public through proactive disclosure; this means we are to routinely make information available which will assist the public in understanding what it is we do and how we do it.
This may be done via our website.
Some information is not released in this way, either because it is not of general public interest or because it is information the Public Trustee would need to assess against the exemptions in the Right to Information Act 2009 prior to disclosure.
If you cannot find the information via one of the means below, contact the Public Trustee and we may be able to assist you in finding it or we may give it to you. If it is not freely available we will assist you to make an application for an assessed disclosure.
Requesting information from Public Trustee:
Direct from the Public Trustee- Search the Public Trustee Website – www.publictrustee.tas.gov.au
- Look in our annual reports
- Look at our publications
- Give the Public Trustee a call on 1800 068 784
- Email the Public Trustee at tpt@publictrustee.tas.gov.au
Applications for assessed disclosure
- Applications for the Public Trustee are to be addressed to:
Public Trustee
GPO Box 1565
Hobart, TAS, 7001- Or email: tlevis@publictrustee.tas.gov.au
A form to assist in making an application is available online.
- Applications for information need to be made to the department, authority or council holding the relevant information or most closely linked to the information. A webpage like this one is available for most other public authorities.
- If you are not using the form, please note that your applications must be made in writing and include the information which is requested in the form – this is a requirement of Regulation 4 of the Right to Information Regulations 2010.
- Applications are to be accompanied by the application fee. This fee is 25 fee units, which is $41.25 as at 1 July 2021 and is indexed annually. Applications are to be accompanied by the application fee.
You may apply to have the fee waived if:
- you are in financial hardship – we take that to mean that you are on income support payments (we would usually ask to see evidence that you are in receipt of Centrelink or Veterans Affairs payments);
- you are a member of parliament and the application is in connection with your official duty; or
- you are able to give us information which shows that the information sought is intended to be used for a purpose that is of general public interest or benefit.
- Make sure you have looked for the information before you make a formal application, because if the information is otherwise available your application may be refused without the return of your application fee.
What will we do once we have your application?
- We will check your application to make sure we have the information we need and that you have paid the application fee (or we will waive the fee).
- We may transfer your application to another public authority if we do not believe we are best placed to provide you with the information.
- Before your application is accepted we may need to contact you to ask you about your application; this will help us to understand your request.
- Once we have done these steps an officer will assess your application against the Right to Information Act 2009 and let you know the outcome of that process in writing.
- You will be notified of the decision on your application for assessed disclosure as soon as practicable, but in no more than 20 working days of the application being accepted.
- If your request is complex or for a large amount of information we may ask you to give us more time.
- If there is a need to consult with a third party about their business affairs or about their personal information, more time is automatically given and we will let you know the outcome as soon as practicable, but no later than 40 working days – we will let you know if this is happening.
If the application or part of the application is refused, then the reasons for the refusal to provide the information must be provided as part of the decision together with details on the right to seek a review of the decision. This is done by writing to:
CEO
Right to Information
Public Trustee
GPO Box 1565
Hobart, TAS, 7001If the officer assessing your request does not get back to you in the timeframe allowed then we are taken to have refused your application and you are able to make an application for review to the Ombudsman if you choose. Some information on reviews by the Ombudsman can be found on the Office of the Ombudsman’s website.
Right to Information Manual and Guidelines
The Manual and Guidelines will provide you with a little more detail on making requests under the RTI Act and how they are processed by the agency to which the request is sent.
These are available on the Office of the Ombudsman’s website.
Please click here for more information on the Public Trustee public interest disclosure procedure
Related Acts and Regulations
You can view, download and print the following Acts and Regulations made available by the Tasmanian Legislation Online website.
Right to Information Regulations 2010
-
Public Interest Disclosure
The Public Trustee is committed to the aims and objectives of the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2002 (the Act). It does not tolerate improper conduct by its employees, officers or members, or the taking of detrimental action against those who come forward to disclose such conduct.
The Public Trustee recognises the value of transparency and accountability in its administrative and management practices, and supports the making of disclosures that reveal the type of conduct to which the Act is directed. The Public Trustee will take all reasonable steps to protect people who make such a disclosure from any detrimental action in reprisal for making the disclosure, and to protect their welfare. It will also afford natural justice to all parties involved in the investigation of a disclosure.
Please click here to download the Public Trustee Public interest disclosure procedure
-
Public Gifts Register
The register below shows gifts, benefits and hospitality and their value that have been accepted and provided by Public Trustee employees from 1 October 2016. This register will be updated each quarter.
Receipt of gifts, benefits and hospitality
Date of receipt of offer
Description of gift, benefit and/or hospitality offered
Reason for acceptance
Person/Organisation offering gift, benefit and/or hospitality
Value of gift, benefit and/or hospitality ($)
1 Oct to 31 Dec 2016
Nil
1 Jan to 31 Mar 2017
Nil
1 Apr to 30 Jun 2017
Lunch
Working Relationship
RACT
$130
1 Jul to 30 Sep 2017
Nil
1 Oct to 31 Dec 2017
Seminar/lunch
Professional development and networking
Westpac
$100
1 Jan to 31 Mar 2018
Nil
1 Apr to 30 Jun 2018
Tickets
Working Relationship
ISW
$100
1 Jul to 30 Sep 2018
Nil
1 Oct to 31 Dec 2018
NIl
1 Jan to 31 Mar 2019
Lunch
Working Relationship
KPMG
$160
Tickets x 2
Working Relationship
Westpac
$351
1 Apr to 30 June 2019
Nil
1 Jul to 30 Sep 2019
Nil
1 Oct to 31 Dec 2019
Nil
1 Jan to 31 Mar 2020
Nil
1 Apr to 30 Jun 2020
Nil
1 Jul to 30 Sep 2020
Nil
1 Oct to 31 Dec 2020
Nil
1 Jan to 31 Mar 2021
Nil
1 Apr to 30 Jun 2021
Nil
1 Jul to 30 Sep 2021
Nil
1 Oct to 31 Dec 2021
Lunch
Working Relationship
Westpac
$280
1 Jan to 31 Mar 2022
Nil
1 Apr to 30 Jun 2022
Presentation to the team
Professional development and networking
Westpac
$90
1 Jul to 30 Sep 2022
Nil
1 Oct to 31 Dec 2022
Nil
1 Jan to 31 Mar 2023
Nil
Provision of gifts, benefits and hospitality by agency
Date gift, benefit and/or hospitality provided
Description of gift, benefit and/or hospitality offered
Reason gift, benefit and/or hospitality was provided
Person/Organisation gift, benefit and/or hospitality was provided to
Value of gift, benefit and/or hospitality ($)
1 Oct 2016 to 31 Dec 2023 Nil
-
Ministerial Charter
This Ministerial Charter has been prepared by the Treasurer and the Minister for Justice (stakeholder Ministers), following consultation with the Public Trustee in accordance with sections 36 and 37 of the Government Business Enterprise Act 1995 (GBE Act)
The Public Trustee must comply with this charter in accordance with sections 36 and 37 of the GBE Act.
The Charter sets out the Government’s broad policy expectations and requirements for the Public Trustee, as the owner of the business.
- The Charter should be read in conjunction with the following Acts and their respective Regulations:
- Public Trustee Act 1930 (Portfolio Act);
- Guardianship and Administration Act 1995;
- Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2020;
- Government Business Enterprises Act 1995;
- Trustee Act 1898;
- Administration and Probate Act 1935;
- Wills Act 2008; and
- any other legislation as may be advised by the Shareholding Ministers from time to time.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PUBLIC TRUSTEE MINISTERIAL CHARTER