The voices of represented persons and their support networks help shape and improve Public Trustee services. 

The Public Trustee is pleased to share the results of the independent 2025-26 Represented Person Survey, conducted by Myriad Research. The survey provides represented persons and support networks with an opportunity to share confidential and unbiased feedback about their experiences and the support they receive. 

In 2025-26, the Public Trustee supported 1,338 represented persons across Tasmania. The survey was completed by 208 respondents, including 147 represented persons and 61 support network members. This represents a significant number of respondents and gives us confidence that the results reflect the experiences of represented persons and support networks across our client base. The survey findings are statistically robust, with results reported at the 95% confidence level. 

For the fourth consecutive year, represented persons and support networks reported positive experiences with the Public Trustee, with strong results recorded across 35 survey measures.  

The results show that recent reforms and the supported decision-making approach continue to make a positive difference. Represented persons reported feeling heard, respected and supported to make decisions about their lives, while support networks continued to express confidence in the services provided. 

Behind every survey result is a personal story. Read our case studies to learn how Public Trustee services are supporting people maintain their independence and achieve their goals. 

Read the survey results and client case studies: 

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Key results from the people who know us best. 

• 88% overall satisfaction with management of financial affairs (the highest result recorded to date) 

• 91% reported that their Client Account Manager treats them with respect 

• 93% feel their money is safe with the Public Trustee  

• 93% feel their legal rights are being protected 

• 88% support network satisfaction with services provided 

Confidence in protecting clients’ finances 

Represented persons reported high levels of confidence in the Public Trustee’s core role of protecting and managing their finances: 

• 93% say their money is safe with the Public Trustee (up from 83%). 

• 93% are confident the Public Trustee protects their legal rights (up from 85%). 

• 91% know how to request extra funds when needed (up from 78%). 

These results highlight the trust represented persons place in the Public Trustee to safeguard their finances and protect their interests. 

Feeling heard, involved and supported 

A key goal of supported decision-making is ensuring represented persons have a voice in decisions that affect their lives. The survey results show positive outcomes in this area. 

• 89% understand the role of the Public Trustee (up from 82%). 

• 86% are satisfied with the accuracy of the financial information provided (up from 79%). 

• 81% agree the first person they speak to can usually help them. 

• 80% feel their wishes were considered when their budget was developed (up from 79%). 

Importantly, 77% of represented persons said their situation has improved since the Public Trustee became involved in managing their financial affairs. 

These results demonstrate the value of listening to clients, involving them in decisions and supporting them to achieve their goals. 

Trust in Client Account Managers 

Client Account Managers play an important role in supporting represented persons to make decisions and achieve their goals. 

• 90% believe their Client Account Manager is open and honest (up from 83%). 

• 89% believe their Client Account Manager knows what they are doing (up from 83%). 

• 88% are satisfied with their Client Account Manager overall (up from 84%). 

These results highlight the importance of trust, open communication and person-centred support. 

Strong confidence among support networks 

Support networks also reported strong confidence in Public Trustee services: 

• 92% understand the role of the Public Trustee (up from 88% in 2025). 

• 91% are satisfied with how staff treat clients (consistent with 2025). 

• 90% believe staff understand the client’s financial needs (up from 87%). 

Importantly, 78% of support network respondents said the client’s situation has improved since the Public Trustee became involved. 

These results provide confidence that the Public Trustee is supporting not only represented persons, but also the family members, friends and supporters who play an important role in their lives. 

Why these results matter 

The results show that represented persons and support networks continue to trust the Public Trustee. They feel their finances are protected, their views are considered and they are supported to live the life they choose. 

Thank you 

The Public Trustee would like to thank all represented persons and support network members who participated in the survey. 

Their feedback helps us understand what is working well and where we can continue to improve. Most importantly, it confirms that represented persons continue to feel heard, respected and supported to live the life they choose.