Government moves to establish Public Trustee Advisory and Monitoring Board

The Palaszczuk Government has introduced legislation to establish a Public Trustee Advisory and Monitoring Board to enhance transparency and public accountability of Queensland’s Public Trustee.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said the new board would deliver on the Government’s commitment to establish a board and was part of the response to a report by the Public Advocate that reviewed the Public Trustee’s fees, charges and practices.

“Protecting vulnerable Queenslanders is a priority for the Palaszczuk Government,” Minister Fentiman said.

“The Public Trustee performs a vital role in our community, including providing financial management services to more than 10,000 Queenslanders each year.

“The Public Trustee Advisory and Monitoring Board will provide additional oversight over the Public Trustee to enhance transparency and public accountability of the service the organisation provides. 

“The Board will monitor the performance of the Public Trustee’s functions, provide advice and make recommendations about how the performance of these functions can be improved.”

The Board will consist of a combination of community members with relevant fiscal, seniors and disability, and legal knowledge, qualifications and skills, as well as senior public officers.

At least one member of the Board is to be an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.

Minister Fentiman said the Public Advocate’s report made 32 recommendations in total.

“Ten recommendations are for Government to consider, including one recommendation for which Government shares responsibility with the Public Trustee,” Ms Fentiman said.

“I look forward to working on the remaining recommendations in consultation with the Public Trustee, the Public Advocate, and other stakeholders.”

ENDS

Media contact:           Inga Williams              0439 949 719