Responding to the financial abuse of older people - Loddon ...

Schedule 1: Office of the Public Advocate –
other State and Territory equivalents continued
Jurisdiction
Governing
body
Tasmania Office of
the Public
Guardian
Australian
Capital Territory
Office of
the Public
Advocate
Powers (conferred
by legislation)
Guardianship and
Administration Act
1995 (Tas)
Powers of Attorney
Act 2000 (Tas)
The Public Advocate
Act 2005 (ACT)
Guardianship and
Management of
Property Act 1991
(ACT)
Avenue
of relief
Guardianship
and
Administration
Board
Guardianship
and
Management
of Property
Tribunal
Differences to the Victorian Office
of the Public Advocate
The Tasmania Office of Public Guardian is set out to
promote, speak for, and protect the rights and interests
of people with disabilities, and acts as the guardian
of people with disabilities when appointed by the
Guardianship and Administration Board.
Its powers and functions are similar to those of the
Victoria Public Advocate. However, it has to report to the
Minister and is subject to the control or directions of
the Minister.
The Public Advocate in ACT has a broader client base
compared to the other states and territories, which
includes children, young people and adults in the
community who suffer from a condition or situation that
makes them potentially vulnerable to abuse, exploitation
or neglect.
The Public Advocate has powers including acting
as guardian if so appointed and general power to
investigate if needs arise. For systemic matters, the
Public Advocate must refer them to Human Rights
Commission for consideration.
The Public Advocate reports to the Minister.
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