Queenslanders assisted to prepare Wills

Almost 22,000 people used the Public Trustee of Queensland's free Will-making service last financial year (2005-06), Attorney-General and Justice Minister Kerry Shine said.

Mr Shine said the Public Trustee’s Wills service assisted 21,620 people. The cost of providing this service was $2.91 Million in 2005-06.

“According to the Public Trustee, over the last five years the free Will-making service has reduced the potential number of Queenslanders dying intestate (without a Will) by 104,000,” Mr Shine said.

“Dying without a Will means that there is no guarantee that your assets will be distributed as you would like them to be after your death.”

The Will-making service was among a range of community services including Enduring Powers of Attorney, administration of trust and deceased estates and financial affairs of adults with a disability provided by the Public Trustee.

In 2005-06, the Public Trustee’s Community Services Obligation (CSO) services cost $17.16 Million to deliver, an increase of $800,000 on 2004-05.

The Public Trustee offsets the costs of providing these services with funds it generates commercially through other areas of its business or from investment.

For further information about Will service please visit the Public Trustee’s website www.pt.qld.gov.au or call 1300 360 044.

The Public Trustee has offices in Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Gladstone, Ipswich, Mackay, Maryborough, Mount Isa, Nambour, Redcliffe, Rockhampton, Southport, Strathpine, Toowoomba and Townsville.

16 November 2006

Media contact: Kirby Anderson (Attorney-General’s office) 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350 kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au