The Public Trustee
What does the Public Trustee do?
The Public Trustee provides a range of financial and asset management services, including:
• Writing and updating Wills
• Safely storing Wills in the WA Will Bank
• Administering deceased estates when acting as executor or administrator
• Assisting people who are nominated as an executor to perform their duties
• Preparing Enduring Powers of Attorney and acting as Donee (the person appointed to manage your financial affairs under an EPA)
• Managing the financial affairs of people with a decision-making disability (for example due to dementia or mental illness), when appointed as their administrator by the State Administrative Tribunal
• Providing advice and support and examining the accounts of people who are appointed as an administrator for another person by the State Administrative Tribunal
• Acting as trustee for damages awarded by a court, tribunal or assessor
• Acting as trustee of a trust established in a Will or Deed for the benefit of a minor
(person under 18)
• Investing their clients’ funds and providing legal advice when required.
When appointed by the State Administrative Tribunal as an administrator for a person with a decision-making disability (called the “represented person”), the Public Trustee might perform the following tasks on behalf of the represented person:
• Collect and bank income
• Pay an allowance to the represented person
• Pay bills and accounts
• Recover debts
• Manage assets and liabilities
• Manage, purchase, sell and maintain real estate
• Prepare and lodge tax returns
• Carry on a business
• Budget, plan and invest for future needs
• Undertake legal action if and when appropriate
The Public Trustee always makes decisions that are in the best interest of the represented person and in accordance with the law. The Public Trustee aims to balance immediate and long-term care needs, taking into consideration the person’s financial situation, and may be able to arrange activities or assistance, such as regular visits or outings, to improve the person’s quality of life.
If it becomes evident that an elderly person is a victim of financial abuse, it may be helpful to have an administrator, such as a trusted family member, friend or the Public Trustee, appointed as an administrator for that person. The Office of the Public Advocate investigates concerns about the abuse, neglect or exploitation of people with decision-making disabilities and reports to the State Administrative Tribunal on whether a guardian or administrator is required.
For further information the following contacts are available:
Public Trustee
565 Hay Street, Perth 6000
Ph: 1300 746 116
Email: ptocustomerservices@justice.wa.gov.au
Office of the Public Advocate
Level 1, 30 Terrace Rd, East Perth 6004
Ph: 1300 858 455
Postal Address
PO Box 6293
EAST PERTH WA 6892
To visit the Public Trustee web site:
http://www.publictrustee.wa.gov.au/
