[Disability & Aged Support] - The Public Trustee of Queensland

Since 1915 The Public Trustee of Queensland has provided services for people who, due to accident, illness, age or disability require assistance with the administration of their financial and legal affairs.

The Public Trustee can assist by acting as Administrator, Financial Attorney or Trustee.

We provide economical and accessible investment, legal and associated services and act as an independent and impartial Administrator for the people of Queensland.

We are the largest Administrator and largest trust office in Queensland.

Whatever a person's disability, The Public Trustee can help. The Public Trustee's friendly and experienced staff take into consideration the unique circumstances of each customer and tailors service to meet their individual needs.

In accordance with our Disability Service Standards, The Public Trustee holds discussions with the client, relatives, carers and service agencies as appropriate. A Client Service Plan is developed that ensures the client’s income is used to best enhance the client 's quality of life. The Client Service Plan is regularly reviewed to ensure it remains applicable to the client‘s changing needs.

Picture of a mature man smiling. Administrators and Attorneys need the skills and experience to make impartial decisions that best promote the adult's quality of life. Considerations include the financial ability and accountability of a proposed Administrator or Attorney and the potential for conflict between the parties.

As the largest and most experienced Administrator in Queensland, The Public Trustee is uniquely placed to meet the diverse needs of persons with a disability.

The Public Trustee has a wealth of expertise to meet the diverse needs of all clients including specialist support areas and professional investment strategies.

The Public Trustee is permanent, fully accountable and impartial. We will never go on holidays or get sick and will be there throughout the adult's life to provide support.

The Public Trustee believes in serving the best interests of our clients with discretion, compassion and empathy. We are committed to consulting fully with our clients, their families and carers. The Public Trustee protects the interests of others in an impartial, yet caring manner.

Payment of Accounts and Bills
This service attends to the payment of all bills including accommodation, nursing home fees, utilities, medical and pharmaceutical expenses as well as property costs such as rates and insurance. Collection of Income
As required, the Public Trustee will collect and account for all income including pensions, rent, dividends from shares and interest from bonds, debentures and other investments.

Financial Statements
Our professional accounting system provides clients with easy to follow Statements of Account that detail all expenditure, income, fees and charges. The statements are produced on an annual basis or as requested.

Real Estate Management
This service is a complete property management service conducted through our internal Property Unit. This includes acting as agent, rental collection, regular property inspections, attending to the requirements of local council and state authorities as well as repairs and maintenance. Our internal Property Unit can also arrange valuations, purchases and sales.

Investment Advice
Sound and prudential investment is an essential duty of an Administrator or Attorney. The Public Trustee's internal investment unit can arrange for the development of a tax effective financial plan that maximises income and capital growth. The plan ensures the client’s financial needs are met today and in the future. A Financial Services Officer is available to discuss the Public Trustee of Queensland Investment Funds.

Development or Maintenance of an Investment Portfolio
The Public Trustee has the expertise to develop or continue management of the client’s investment portfolio. The Public Trustee has a range of investment products designed to meet the individual needs of our clients and customers, Administrators and Attorney’s. The Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC), one of the largest wholesale fund managers in Australia, manages The Public Trustee of Queensland Investment Fund. Private Administrators and Attorneys can also access these products.

Taxation
The Public Trustee's internal Taxation Unit provides taxation advice to customers and can complete all necessary taxation requirements including income tax returns.

Legal Services
The Official Solicitor to the Public Trustee provides legal services to the Public Trustee.

Referrals and Submissions to Government and Non Government Agencies
The Public Trustee of Queensland has wide experience dealing with Government departments as well as non-government agencies. Through our strong networks with the community, The Public Trustee has a number of agreements with various service providers to ensure the delivery of efficient and accountable services to our clients. This includes formal financial delegations with a number of key departments as well as with non-government service providers.

Disability Support Unit
The Public Trustee's Disability Support Unit offers specialised assistance to our clients and ensures clients have access to advice on a range of disability issues including Government and non-government services, medical equipment, modification of housing and vehicles and accommodation support services. The Disability Support Unit liaises with Government and non-government agencies to ensure access to the latest information and services for all clients of The Public Trustee.

Accessibility
The Public Trustee’s clients have access to over 15 offices throughout the state and can also access services through local Court Houses and Q-Gap agents. Public Trustee staff often make home visits where appropriate. The Public Trustee is also accessible via telephone, facsimile, e-mail and TTY (a telephone relay service for those with communication difficulties).

Principles of Decision Making
The Public Trustee is committed to making responsible decisions that consider the wider issues and factors in a person’s life. Satisfaction of clients, their family and carers is paramount when assisting in making choices that will better serve our clients. Decisions can be reviewed on request.

Regular Internal Review
The Public Trustee regularly reviews each client’s service plan as well as office policies and practices. The office conducts regular internal audits and is subject to an annual audit by the Queensland Auditor-General. This ensures that financial records are accurate, plans for clients suit their needs, clients receive full entitlements, and that accountability is maintained with clients, their families and carers.

Relationship with Government and Non-Government Organisations
Formal agreements between Government and Non-Government organisations and The Public Trustee allows us to delegate some daily financial matters for our clients. These agreements enable the Public Trustee to maximise the levels of service available to our client. By maintaining these relationships, it allows our clients to enjoy greater independence and flexibility while ensuring accountability.

Financial Statements
Clients will regularly receive user friendly financial statements ensuring that they and nominated family and carers are aware of their financial situation.

Complaints Management
Complaints will be managed promptly and professionally to ensure that clients, their families and carers are confident in using the complaints process to resolve an issue. The process will constructively analyse all complaints to enhance the service provided.

Service Fees
The Public Trustee's fees and charges are set by Gazette Notice pursuant to the provisions of the Public Trustee Act 1978. Most services are provided internally at the Public Trustee, making our fees and charges very competitive for the professional service we provide.

Further Information
For further information, please contact our Disability Support Unit on toll free 1300 651 591 or (07) 3213 9334. Further information is also available via our customer enquiry email at clientenq@pt.qld.gov.au.