New advisory board enhances transparency of the Public Trustee

Queenslanders can have greater confidence in the Public Trustee following the passing of legislation promised by the Palaszczuk Government.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said the landmark bill allows for the creation of a Public Trustee Advisory and Monitoring Board.

“We have said this before and we will say it again – protecting vulnerable Queenslanders is a priority for this Government,” Minister Fentiman said.

“The new Public Trustee Advisory and Monitoring Board will enhance transparency and public accountability of the services provided by the Public Trustee.”

The Board will monitor the performance of the Public Trustee’s functions and provide advice and make recommendations to Minister Fentiman for legislative change or improvements, while also being able to provide advice and recommendations to the Public Trustee.

“This will ensure that strong protections stay in place for clients,” the Attorney-General said.

The Palaszczuk Government introduced the new legislation in the wake of a comprehensive external review of the Public Trustee by the Public Advocate last year.

“The review acknowledged that much positive change had already occurred at the Public Trustee,” Ms Fentiman said.

“The formation of a monitoring board is a key recommendation in ensuring the progress is maintained and improved further.”

Importantly, the Board must act independently and in the public interest, and is not subject to direction by anyone, including the Minister, about how to perform its functions.

The Board will consist of a combination of community members with relevant fiscal, seniors and disability, and legal knowledge, qualifications and skills and lived experience of impaired-capacity either for themselves or others. It will also contain senior public service officers and at least one Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.

ENDS

Media contact: Clare Barnes 0497 829 747