Public Trustee

Call 1800 068 784 Make an Appointment

Financial Administration

The Public Trustee may be appointed by the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT) as an administrator to support an adult with impaired decision-making ability manage their financial affairs.

This legal appointment is known as an Administration Order.

How the Public Trustee will support you?

If you have an Administration Order, the Public Trustee will help you look after your money matters and get things on track. We help you to budget so you don’t get into debt. We will support you to make decisions about your money and the things you own, as much as possible.

We will help you to make sure:

  • You have money for your essential needs (housing, rent or mortgage, electricity and heating, food, clothes, phone and medicines).
  • Your bills are paid on time.
  • You can budget to buy the things you need and want.
  • Your bank accounts, house and car are safe.
  • You make decisions about your money that you can afford and that are not illegal or harmful to you.

Who will support you?

You will have a Client Account Manager (CAM) as your main contact at the Public Trustee.

Your CAM is there to help you with your money matters. If you have any questions or need support, you can reach out to them.

They will stay in touch with you regularly—by phone or email—to check in and see how things are going. You can also arrange to meet them at our office or another location that suits you.

Your Rights
Your rights are very important to us. The law says we must look after your money matters
in the same way that you would if you were not on an Administration Order.
We will:

  • Respect your rights and dignity.
  • Promote your personal and social wellbeing.
  • Support you to make decisions that affect you, as much as possible.
  • Make sure that all decisions are based on what is important to you.
  • Communicate with you in a way that you understand.
  • Take your cultural and language needs into account.
  • Help you build your ability to manage your own money matters.
  • Recognise the role of your close family members, friends and supporters.

How long does an Administration Order last?

An Administration Order usually lasts three years. After that, TASCAT reviews your situation and decides if you still need support or if you can manage your financial affairs on your own.

For more information

Our Supported decision-making framework, launched in October 2023, represented a significant change aimed at enhancing the lives of individuals with impaired decision-making abilities.

What is Supported Decision-Making?

Supported decision-making is an empowering approach to assist individuals with impaired decision-making abilities in actively participating in decisions that affect their lives. 

Best Practice framework to align with the new Guardianship and Administration Amendment Act 2023:

The Public Trustee collaborated with Australia’s leading experts in the field to develop a best practice framework to comply with the new legislative requirements. The new Guardianship and Administration Amendment Act 2023, passed by the Tasmanian Parliament in September 2023, is set to take effect within the next 12 months.

Accessing the Guidelines:

Please click here to download our Supported Decision-making Guidelines



Guardianship and administration changes To learn more about the upcoming changes to Tasmania’s Guardianship and Administration Act 1995 that will come into effect on the 1st of September 2024, click here.

Your CAM will make a time to meet with you after your TASCAT hearing. It’s a good idea to bring a family member or supporter to this first meeting.
At this meeting, your CAM will:

  • Tell you who they are and what they do.
  • Start to get to know you and what is important to you.
  • Explain how the Public Trustee helps you.
  • Explain how you get money when you need to.
  • Explain our fees and charges.
  • Deal with any urgent money matters, like overdue bills.
  • Get information from you so we understand your money matters.
  • Answer your questions.

What information should you bring?

To help you prepare for our first conversation we recommend you have the following information with you.  Some of these things might not be applicable to you, so don’t worry if you don’t have everything listed here.

  • Your identification – like your birth certificate or your passport or your proof of age card
  • Your Medicare Number and/or your Private Health Insurance Number (if you have one)
  • Your Tax File Number or a copy of your last Tax return or a copy of your latest Notice of Assessment
  • Your latest bank account statement
  • Details about any direct debits that are set up from your bank account or any regular bills you pay
  • Information about any money you are owed
  • Invoices for any debts that you have not paid
  • Information about any pensions or superannuation you receive (Australian and/ or foreign)
  • If you own a car, your registration and car insurance details
  • Information about where you live (like a copy of your rental contract or tenancy agreement).
  • If you own your own home a copy of your property title, mortgage and insurance details.
  • Share certificates or information about investments, if you have any
  • Information about anyone who you think might leave money or assets to you in their Will
  • Any other important information that you think we should know about your financial goals. You may want to think about activities you like doing (like going to the movies or traveling) so that we can include them in your budget.

When will it start?

Your Administration Order starts as soon as the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal makes its decision, however, it will take some time for us to make sure everything is arranged – this can take up to six (6) weeks. During this time you will be working with your Client Account Manager and can contact them at any time if you have any questions or financial requests.

While under an Administration order, the Public Trustee will support you manage your money. If there is something not listed here, or there’s something you have more questions about, you can always ask your Client Account Manager.

Make a budget

We help you to make a budget so you know how much money you have and how much you can spend. This means you can pay for your essential needs. We help you decide how much money you have for personal spending so you can do the things you want and plan to pay for things you may want in the future.

Help with your bills

We help you to pay your bills or any debts you owe, using your money.

Help look after your debts

If you owe anyone money, we work out a re-payment plan with them, if possible.

Make sure you’re getting the right income

We talk with agencies like Centrelink, the Department of Veteran Affairs and your employer, if you have one, for you. We make sure you’re getting the income you are entitled to, such as:

  • Extra payments from Centrelink, like rent assistance.
  • Wages and entitlements.
  • Superannuation.
  • Concessions you may be eligible for.
  • Applying for a foreign pension.

Provide financial statements

We give you a financial statement once a year (or whenever you ask) to help you understand your money matters. It shows your income, expenses, and assets (like your savings, car, house, or investments) and our fees and charges.

Help if you own your own home

We support you to pay your mortgage and household costs and help arrange for repairs and maintenance, using your own money. If you have to sell your home, we can get a real estate agent, sort out and remove your belongings and get your home cleaned.

Help if you’re living in an aged care home

We help you fill out the forms, and set up payment of your aged care fees, chemist account and other expenses. Help you get other types of support We can support you to contact other services that could help you, such as housing, legal, NDIS and disability services.

Help with your tax and investments

We can do your tax return each year and help you to make decisions about your investments.

Emergency Orders

If the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (the Tribunal) makes an emergency order to appoint the Public Trustee as your financial administrator, the following fees apply

  • management fees are to be charged on an hourly rate basis ($120);
  • no capital commission will be taken; and
  • income commissions will be taken in accordance with standard rate.

 A time sheet is kept on file for these matters.

Please Note: If multiple staff members are required to attend a client visit, the hourly rate will be charged for each staff member.

If an Emergency Order is converted to a Full Order

  • the hourly fees charged to the date of the conversion will be waived; and
  • capital commissions will be taken in accordance with standard rates.

Permanent Appointment

From 1 January 2016, if the Tribunal appoints the Public Trustee as a financial administrator, the following fees will be charged:

 For clients with assets under $10,000

  • no establishment or annual review or report fees;
  • no monthly account fees;
  • no capital commission; and
  • no income commissions.

 For clients with assets between $10,000 and under $100,000

  • no establishment or annual review or report fees;
  • no monthly account fees;
  • no capital commission; and
  • a reduced fee of 2.75 % is charged on the receipt of all income such as interest, dividends, and pensions.

 For clients with assets over $100,000

  • $601.00 one-off establishment fee;
  • $65.00 fee for completing the annual report required by the Tribunal: and
  • $150.00 fee for completing the 3 yearly review and report required by the Tribunal.
  • $13.50 account keeping fee per month;
  • a fee on any assets realised during the financial administration (e.g. collection of bank account, property sale) is charged at the same rate as administering an estate (see chart below); and
On the first $200,000 or part4.5%
On the next $200,000 or part3.5%
On the next $200,000 or part2.5%
On amounts above $600,0001.5%
  • When the administration ends, a commission of 2.2% is taken on the current value of the assets which have not been realised during the administration.

 Income Commission

  • The Public Trustee charges a 6.6% fee on the receipt of all income such as interest, dividends, pensions and rental income (where the Public Trustee is managing the property). The fee is reduced to 2.75% for represented person clients with assets between $10,000 and under $100,000. No fee is charged for clients with assets under $10,000.
  • A 3.3% fee is charged on rental income where the Public Trustee is not managing the property.
  • If income is received from an estate administered by the Public Trustee there is a 3.3% fee.

Investment Management Fee

  • A 1.1% per annum fee is charged on funds invested in our Common Fund or Group Investment Fund. This fee is deducted from your gross earnings before any distributions are made to your account.
  • A 1.1% per annum fee may also apply to invested funds not directly managed by the Public Trustee.

The following fees and charges may apply: 

  • account keeping fee ($13.50 per month);
  • domestic cheque drawing ($6.00) and direct credit ($3.20);
  • international bank transfers ($24.00) and international bank drafts ($32.00), excluding any 3rd party transaction and processing fees;
  • investment review fees for developing an investment strategy for the client portfolio. The fee charged is dependent upon the complexity of individual circumstances;
  • depending on the complexity of the matter a fee will be charged for the preparation and lodgment of income tax returns and other taxation services including the establishment of the acquisition details of assets for capital gains tax purposes;
  • fee for conveyancing and other services provided in relation to the sale, purchase or transfer of a property; and/or
  • work of a particularly complex nature not covered above will be charged at an hourly rate.

Legal Services

The cost of legal services from our legal practitioners depends on how difficult the task is. The Public Trustee will not charge more than the maximum hourly attendance rate set out in the Supreme Court Rules 2000. This is currently set between $194.00 and $423.00.

Sometimes, the Public Trustee can seek outside practitioners to provide legal services. These services will be charged at the firm’s market rate.

View a list of all fees & charges here

We have compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions regarding financial administration. 

Supported decision-making is an empowering approach to assist individuals with impaired decision-making abilities in actively participating in decisions that affect their lives. 

Our Supported decision-making framework, launched in October 2023, represented a significant change aimed at enhancing the lives of individuals with impaired decision-making abilities.

Accessing the Guidelines:

Please click here to download our Supported Decision-making Guidelines

You may want help from someone who is not a family member or friend. The organisations below can assist you before or during your Tribunal hearing. They can also help you discuss any issues with our services.

Directory of support organisations.

Public Trustee

Advocacy Tasmania

Advocacy Tasmania can help you with information, support and advice before or at your Tribunal hearing. They may also help you talk to the Public Trustee about any issues and help you decide a way forward.

Call 1800 005 131 or visit www.yoursaytas.org

Speak out Advocacy

Speak Out represent and support adults with a disability. They can attend Tribunal hearings with you, or on your behalf, and can help provide you with information about your matter. They also may help you with any issues related to the Public Trustee.

Call (03) 6231 2344 or visit www.speakoutadvocacy.org

Tasmania Legal Aid

Legal Aid can assist you with free or low-cost legal advice and represent you at Tribunal hearings across the state.

Call their free advice line on 1300 366 611  or go to www.legalaid.tas.gov.au or visit their offices in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Devonport.

Community Legal Centres

Community Legal Centres provide free or low-cost legal services. They have offices located in Hobart, Launceston and the North-West.

Hobart Community Legal Centre

Call (03) 6223 2500 or visit www.hobartlegal.org.au

Launceston Community Legal Centre

Call (03) 6334 1577 or visit www.lclc.net.au

North West Community Legal Centre

Call (03) 6424 8720 or visit www.nwclc.org.au

The Association for Children with Disability (Tas) Inc.

The Association for Children with Disability (Tas) Inc. provide information, consultation and training, case coordination and peer support for parents of children with a disability.

Call 1800 244 742 or visit acdtas.com.au

Citizen Advocacy Launceston Region Inc.

Citizen Advocacy Launceston Region Inc. support and represent people with a disability in the Launceston area.

Call (03) 6331 2177 Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.30pm or  visit www.citizenadvocacylton.org.au/contact.html.

Women’s Legal Service Tasmania

Women’s Legal Service Tasmania offers free legal advice to women across Tasmania through their telephone advice line.

Call 1800 682 468 Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm or

visit www.womenslegaltas.org.au

Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service

The Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service (TALS) offers free legal help to all Aboriginal Tasmanians.

Call 1800 595 162 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm or visit www.tals.net.au

Private legal representation

If you want private representation at a Tribunal hearing, the Law Society of Tasmania can help you with a list of private practitioners.

Call (03) 6234 4133 or email info@lst.org.au to get a copy of the list.

Find Help Tas

Connecting you with local community services. www.findhelptas.org.au

Need crisis help?

  • If you or someone else is in immediate danger call 000;
  • If you or someone else is experiencing a mental health crisis and needs an urgent assessment, call the Mental Health Helpline on 1800 332 388;
  • If you need to talk call –
    • Lifeline: 13 11 14; or
    • Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 or
    • SANE Australia helpline: 1800 18 7263

We want to make sure that decisions about your money matters are based on your wishes and what is important to you, as much as possible. We can’t support your decision if it is illegal or harmful to you or someone else.

When you want to buy or sell something or need more money, we will:

  • Talk with you so we understand why this is important to you.
  • Give you the information you need, such as if you have enough money.
  • Help you think about different ways to get what you want.
  • Explain any risks or problems there might be.
  • Help you to make it happen once it is decided.

This can take time if what you want to do costs a lot of money or if it’s a big decision, such as selling your home. Your family members or other supporters can also help us support you to make your decision, if you want them to.

In many cases a personal budget will be set up for you and you may receive an allowance for personal spending. The allowance will generally be put into your bank account via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) so that you can access the funds directly.

When you need extra money, your CAM will support you to make the decision in a way you can afford.


If you have enough money, your CAM will arrange for you to get the money or pay for the purchase. This can be paid directly into your bank account or to your family member or supporter or we can pay the invoice.


If it is a big decision or it costs a lot, your CAM will help you to work out the best way to make it happen. You may need to save for it by making a payment plan or you and your CAM might see if there are other ways you can get what you want. It can be helpful for you and your CAM to talk with your family members or supporters about your decision.

Your CAM helps you build your skills to look after some or all of your money matters, by helping you to make a budget and supporting you to make decisions about your money. If you are able to, you can go on the Financial Independence Pathway (FIP).


This helps you to take more control of your money matters step by step over time.

The Tribunal will review the Administration Order before it ends. At the review, the Tribunal will check to see that your needs are being met and will decide if you still need our help.

If you (or another interested person) would like to have your order reviewed before that time, or would like to have the Public Trustee removed as your Administrator, you will need to complete a ‘Review of Order’ application with the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

You will also need a medical practitioner, psychologist, neuro-psychologist or psychiatrist to complete a Health Care Professional Report to make sure that you are capable of making your own decisions.

Before completing the form, you or your support person/s should contact the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal to talk about the process:

Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal

Phone: 1800 657 500
Address: 38 Barrack Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000
Email: guardianship@tascat.tas.gov.au

An Administrator is appointed by the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (the Tribunal).

The the Tribunal will only appoint an administrator when a person is aged 18 years and over and:

  • has disability; and
  • cannot make reasonable decisions about financial and property matters because of his or her disability; and
  • there is no less restrictive way of providing assistance.

The power to act as an Administrator will cease on the death of the person.

If you would like more information in relation to the process of appointing an Administrator and/ or application forms please contact:  

Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal 

Phone: 1800 657 500
Address: 38 Barrack Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000
Email: guardianship@tascat.tas.gov.au

If someone over 18 years old is having difficulty managing their financial affairs due to a disability or impaired decision-making ability, the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (the Tribunal) can issue an administration order.

In contrast, an enduring power of attorney is a legal document where an individual appoints another person/ or a statutory trustee company (such as the Public Trustee) to manage their financial affairs if their decision-making ability was impaired or they no longer wanted the responsibility.

The distinct advantage of an enduring power of attorney is that it allows you to choose who will manage your financial affairs. In order to make an enduring power of attorney you need to have the necessary mental capacity to understand the meaning and effect of the document.

The Tribunal will not appoint an administrator if there is a valid enduring power of attorney in place UNLESS the attorney is not acting in the best interests of the person concerned.

The Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (the Tribunal) makes an order for a period of time (usually three years). The Tribunal will review the order before it ends. At the review, the Tribunal will check to see that your needs are being met and will decide if you still need our help.

If you have any questions, please contact your Client Account Manager.

If you are dissatisfied with the response from your Client Account Manager, please go to see our Feedback and Complaints process

As your Financial Administrator, we may need to collect personal information about you so that we can understand your financial matters in detail.

We will only use the personal information that we collect about you for the purpose of managing your finances. We may need to share some of your information with others (like contractors or agents of the Public Trustee), so that they can provide advice or a service for your benefit.

All of our actions have to follow the laws about privacy to make sure that you are protected and that we can do our job. The Public Trustee is governed by the laws set out in The Personal Information Protection Act 2004, The Public Trustee Act 1930, and The Guardianship and Administration Act 1995.

The Public Trustee has adopted the following standards in communicating with our clients.

RETURNING TELEPHONE CALLS

  • When you leave a message we will return your call promptly, but in any event within one working day of receipt of the message
  • Voicemail messages will state if the person you are calling is away for more than one working day and will provide an alternative contact number
  • We will make every effort to provide you with a response as quickly as possible
  • If we are unable to deal with your query we will try to put you in contact with someone who can assist you 

RESPONDING TO LETTERS, EMAIL AND FAX

  • We will reply to non-urgent correspondence within 10 working days
  • We will contact you to inform you of progress if a final reply is not issued within 10 working days
  • We will reply to urgent correspondence where possible on the same day, but in any event within 1 working day
  • We will communicate clearly providing you with a response to the matters raised. 

FACE-TO-FACE CONTACT

  • We will ensure that our reception and meeting facilities are clean, accessible and maintained to a high standard of comfort and safety
  • We will provide you with the maximum level of privacy possible
  • We will meet you at the appointed time, or let you know if there are any delays and be helpful and courteous in our dealings with you

YOUR VIEWS ON OUR SERVICE

The Public Trustee places a high level of value on feedback from our clients and also has a formal policy for dealing with any concerns or complaints.

To provide feedback PLEASE CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE FEEDBACK AND COMPLAINTS PAGE

As a private administrator, you are responsible for managing the financial and legal affairs of someone who is not able to make decisions on their own. This is a position of great trust and responsibility. 

The Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (Tribunal) have developed a handbook to be used as a guide and to provide general instructions and information for appointed private Administrators.

Please click here to view the Tribunals Administrator’s Handbook If this link is unavailable please try searching Administrator’s Handbook on the Tribunals website.

For more information about making an application to the Tribunal, please go to: https://www.tascat.tas.gov.au/guardianship/process or call on 1800 657 500.

Make an Appointment

Testimonial

Sign Up to receive our news

We’ll keep you informed but not overwhelmed.

Follow us

Your feedback

Give us a compliment

Tell us your complaint

Make a suggestion

Skip to content