The Public Trustee is working to improve the way it serves its clients with the implementation of a new supported decision-making framework. 

Public Trustee CEO, Todd Kennedy, said the change is a significant shift towards enhancing the lives of individuals with impaired decision-making abilities who need support.

“The supported decision-making framework will help the Public Trustee carry out the rights, will and preferences of our clients with disabilities or impaired decision-making abilities,” Mr Kennedy said.

“In line with evolving best practices in other Australian jurisdictions and internationally, Tasmania is shifting from a ‘best interests’ approach to one that empowers individuals with impaired decision-making abilities to actively participate in decisions that affect their lives. 

“This transformative framework aligns with the new Guardianship and Administration Amendment Act 2023, which was passed by the Tasmanian Parliament in September 2023, and is set to take effect within the next 12 months.

“A core objective of the Act is to safeguard and champion the rights and dignity of individuals with impaired decision-making abilities, guided by the principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This means extending comprehensive support to those with impaired decision-making abilities to enable them to make, participate in, and implement decisions that profoundly impact their lives.

“The development of this innovative framework was informed by rigorous evidence-based best practices and developed through extensive consultation with clients, Public Trustee staff, and our stakeholders.

“I would also like to thank Professor Christine Bigby and Professor Jacinta Douglas, two of Australia’s leading experts in this area for their contribution.”

Professor Bigby and Professor Douglas attended a training session today with Public Trustee staff to discuss the supported decision-making framework and its implementation.

Key Highlights:

• The supported decision-making framework is a cornerstone of the transformational changes we are making at the Public Trustee.
• The Public Trustee sought the advice of renowned experts in this field, Professor Christine Bigby and Professor Jacinta Douglas, who have worked closely with Public Trustee staff to shape this framework.
• This framework has been designed to ensure the protection and promotion of the rights and dignity of individuals with impaired decision-making abilities, aligning seamlessly with the new legislative requirements.
• The framework equips Public Trustee staff with the necessary guidance to support individuals under administration orders in actively participating in decisions relating to their financial affairs, ensuring their rights, will, and preferences are duly respected. Substitute decision-making will be considered only as a last resort and within specific legal boundaries.
• The development of the framework has been done in collaboration with clients, stakeholders, and staff.
• The Public Trustee is committed to delivering high-quality services that empower and uplift individuals with impaired decision-making abilities, in accordance with the principles of justice, dignity, and the right to self-determination.