Media
“Be Kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” (Socrates)
It’s Disability Action Week and Queensland Public Trustee is calling on everyone to reflect and celebrate the benefits of diversity, inclusion and accessibility in our community and workplaces.
Reaching the state’s young adults for National Wills Week
For the inaugural National Wills Week in 2023, the emphasis was on reaching the country’s young adults aged 18 to 25 and educating this demographic of the importance of having a valid Will.
Why two young Queenslanders are urging everyone over 18 to make a valid Will
We hear from a 19-year-old and a 25-year-old about how their recent experiences with grief and loss have catalysed their own Will-making journeys.
Wills aren’t just for Boomers — everyone who is 18 years and over needs one
For the first ever National Wills Week, the Queensland Public Trustee is trying to dispel the myth that Wills are just for Boomers.
Final grant round for Gladstone Foundation
The Gladstone Foundation will run a final grant round to help the local community before winding up operations in 2024.
Grandparents seen as the key to reach young people this National Wills Week
A reported one in five Queenslanders pass away each year without a valid Will, with a staggering portion of these adults falling within the 18- to 25-year age bracket.
Empowering Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities in Will-making
More than one in five Queenslanders were born overseas, how does this impact how we deal with death and the documents surrounding it?
What does Queensland Public Trustee have to do with UQ scholarship students taking a trip to India?
Max’s Design Prize is a new Trust established under Queensland Public Trustee administration, enabling passionate design students to travel to India and undertake a drawing study of Indian architecture for inclusion in The University of Queensland’s Architecture Library collection.
Safeguarding against financial elder abuse
No-one likes to think that their family or friends might be using them for financial advantage.
2 years on: Queensland Public Trustee delivers progress on Public Advocate’s Report recommendations
The recently released Public Advocate’s implementation update on the Preserving the financial futures of vulnerable Queenslanders: A review of Public Trustee fees, charges and practices report recognises the work undertaken by the Queensland Public Trustee, to implement a range of improvements that are shaping a more human-centric service agency.
Plan for your pet’s future this National Puppy Day
Pet owners are reminded to plan for their furry loved one’s futures as we celebrate National Puppy Day today, March 23.
International Day of Happiness celebrates the power of giving and kindness
Queenslanders are being urged to celebrate the United Nation’s International Day of Happiness, by carrying out a small act of kindness for a friend, colleague or even a stranger.
Advance care plans – a heart-to-heart worth having
As our parents and relatives age, we often take time to find out more about their childhood memories or write down a treasured family recipe, but there are other heart-to-hearts worth having, those that make sure our loved ones’ preferences for future care are known and respected.
Public Trustee urges women to take charge of their future
Queensland’s Public Trustee is encouraging the State’s women to mark International Women’s Day and Queensland Women’s Week to consider how best to take charge of their future.
It’s time to discuss Advance life planning for our LGBTIQA+ loved ones
Love is love.
There are all kinds of relationships and so many ways to define a family and loved ones. One thing we all have in common is the need make our intentions clear by making a Will or Enduring Power of Attorney, so our choices and wishes can be recognised in the event that we pass away or lose decision-making capacity.
The importance of a Will in Today's Australia
As we reflect on the diversity celebrated on Australia Day, it is important to note that our society is becoming increasingly diverse in terms of family and living arrangements. From blended families to same-sex couples, to single parent households, the traditional nuclear family is no longer the norm.
Five red flags of financial elder abuse
For many Queenslanders the summer months are about spending quality time with family and friends – and for those of us who are beach goers to spend time between the red and yellow flags at our favourite beaches.
Progressive changes bring positive progress at Queensland Public Trustee
Almost three years after commencing a program of organisational change and reform, Queensland Public Trustee has begun to see early signs of positive improvement in the resolution of issues and improved decision-making relationships for their financial management customers.
End financial abuse this White Ribbon Day
The Public Trustee of Queensland has pledged to take action against domestic and family violence as part of White Ribbon Day 2022 by educating women about avoiding financial abuse.
Queenslanders encouraged to be vigilant when it comes to financial abuse
Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Public Trustee are reminding Queenslanders to stay vigilant and put plans in place to protect themselves from financial abuse as part of Crime Prevention Week 2022.
Public Trustee welcomes independent report into Fees & Charges
The Public Trustee of Queensland has welcomed the independent report into its fees and charges which was released by the Queensland Government today.
Wills Week 2022: Who would care for your pet?
It’s Wills Week 2022 and this year’s focus is the need to plan ahead and protect your loved ones, including precious pets.
Stand together united in action and speak out against elder abuse
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is held on 15 June each year and is a day where
we must all stand united in action and speak out against elder abuse
Protecting Cairns seniors from elder abuse
Local experts, frontline responders and sector professionals came together today to consider issues relating to elder abuse and what further can be done to protect the older members of the Cairns community.
Putting elder abuse in the spotlight on the Sunshine Coast
Elder abuse prevention in the Sunshine Coast region will be the focus for the Public
Trustee as local experts are brought together to discuss this important issue.
A focus on elder abuse prevention in Toowoomba
Elder abuse prevention in the Toowoomba and Darling Downs region will be the
focus for the Public Trustee as experts are brought together to start the conversation
on preventing and supporting residents that are experiencing abuse.
Wisdoms of older Queenslanders encouraging young people to plan ahead
The latest Public Trustee community education program provides an opportunity for
older Queenslanders to share their wisdoms and life experience to enrich the lives of
the wider Queensland community.
Keeping your assets safe and protecting against elder abuse
In recent media it has been reported that a family has had to endure a five-year legal battle to protest a Will made under undue influence weeks before a family members’ passing.
It has highlighted the importance of keeping your assets safe and putting safeguards in place to prevent elder abuse.
A public statement from the Public Trustee of Queensland
Our aim at the Public Trustee of Queensland is to enhance and protect the human rights and dignity of all Queenslanders, providing an essential service and playing an important role for people who are not in a position to manage their own financial interests.
12 months on: Public Trustee delivers progress on Public Advocate’s Report recommendations
The Public Trustee of Queensland’s progress report shows the significant progress made in implementing the recommendations of The Public Advocate’s review of Public Trustee fees, charges and practices tabled in 2021.
Time to plan ahead
Planning ahead for the unexpected is vital to ensuring, no matter what happens in life, Queenslanders’ wishes, values and care preferences are known by our loved ones
Where there’s a Will, there’s a way
Your Will is an opportunity to have your final say on the legacy you wish to leave behind and helps to protect your family’s financial future. But research shows that almost 50 percent of Queenslanders do not have a valid Will.
Through the eyes of our Customers
It is through collaboration, dedication and holistic support that the Public Trustee customers reach their full potential and are supported to live happy, respectful and meaningful lives.
The Public Trustee warns Queenslanders to keep an eye out for potential financial abuse
Seniors are at greater risk of elder abuse going under the radar due to COVID -19.
The Acting Public Trustee and CEO, Samay Zhouand said that due to the pandemic, we are seeing increased isolation and a reduced line of sight on members of the community who are at greater risk of elder abuse.
Do you have a share of more than 180 million in unclaimed money?
Queenslanders could be in for an end of year bonus with more than 1 and a half
million entries on the unclaimed money register.
The Public Trustee is calling on Queenslanders to find out if they have a share in
more than 180 million dollars.
One small change can provide Queenslanders more protection against elder abuse
The Public Trustee is urging Queenslanders to consider appointing more than one attorney in their enduring power of attorney document.
Public Trustee placed a focus on innovation in 2020-21
The Public Trustee is pleased to release the 2020-21 Annual Report.
The Annual Report showcases the continual commitment to the Public Trustee vision to provide security and peace of mind to Queenslanders.
Trustee House is on the move
The Public Trustee have recently announced the Brisbane headquarters move from the long-standing Queensland Trustee House located at 444 Queen Street Brisbane CBD.
2021 Queensland Wills Week is here!
The Public Trustee is hosting Queensland Wills Week again this year to raise awareness of the importance of advance life planning for all Queenslanders.
Queenslanders encouraged to have their say on fees and charges
The Public Trustee is inviting the public to participate in consultation for their independent fees and charges review.
All Queenslanders have a role to play in preventing elder abuse
June 15 is designated World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and, in support, we are calling on Queenslanders to raise awareness of elder abuse.
COVID-19 Update 9 August 2021
The Cairns office is currently closed in line with the current COVID-19 restrictions.
Claiming over $160 million in unclaimed money just got easier
Now it’s a whole lot easier to navigate the claims process through the Public Trustee’s unclaimed money portal due to the launch of an easy-to-use, online, interactive guide.
New initiatives help improve support for customers with disability
It’s Disability Action Week and the Public Trustee is introducing a range of support initiatives for customers with a cognitive disability.
It’s Queensland Wills Week 2020!
Are you getting married or celebrating the birth of a child? It’s time to update your will. When major changes happen in your life, thinking about your will might not be top of mind.
Public Trustee Customers First promise published in new Social Responsibility Charter
Being socially and fiscally responsive, making decisions that enhance the dignity, rights and interests of Queenslanders, and continuous improvement are just some of the core principles of the Public Trustee’s customer commitment outlined in the agency’s first Social Responsibility Charter.
Public Trustee cites significant growth and community contribution
The Public Trustee’s 2019 – 2020 Annual Report has been tabled in parliament citing significant growth and a record contribution of over $38 million in Community Service Obligations.
"Customer at the centre" of Public Trustee’s Strategic Plan 2020-24
To deliver on the agency’s vision to provide security and peace of mind for Queenslanders, the Public Trustee has released its Strategic Plan 2020 – 2024 – with the focus clearly on the rights of the customer.
Plan ahead this EOFY and get your Will and Enduring Power of Attorney in order
The end of June signifies the time of year to get your finances in order, especially your tax returns, but it’s also a great time to get your life documents, such as your Will and Enduring Power of Attorney, up to date.
PT real estate auctions are back!
The Public Trustee’s real estate auctions are back as COVID-19 restrictions ease and the state government’s ban on public open homes and on-site auctions is lifted.
Vulnerable Queenslanders reclaim $80,000
The Public Trustee has helped vulnerable Queenslanders claim government funding and entitlements of more than $80,000 in the past 12 months.
Public Trustee encourages Queenslanders to protect themselves against elder abuse
In support of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on Monday 15 June, the Public Trustee is raising awareness of elder abuse and reminding elderly Queenslanders how they can help protect themselves against potential financial abuse.
Community groups benefit from $3 million in grants
Twenty-five Queensland charities with a focus on environment and human health will benefit from $500,000 in recent grants, bringing the total grants provided by the Queensland Community Foundation since January to $3 million.
Calling Queenslanders to help protect seniors from financial elder abuse
After recent media reports that Coronavirus restrictions have led to a rise in elder abuse cases, the Public Trustee is reminding families, friends and neighbours to keep an eye out on our seniors for potential financial abuse.
Instant online quotes for administering deceased estates
Queenslanders can now get an instant estimate on the cost of the Public Trustee administering a deceased estate using the Public Trustee’s pilot online fee estimator – the first Public Trustee fee estimator in Australia.
Public Trustee helps Maryborough customers in tough financial times
The Public Trustee has been working with major banks, lenders, service providers and other agencies to assist vulnerable residents with access to hardship relief.
Minor trusts help support home schooling during COVID-19
Having money set aside in trust for a rainy day can be a blessing when an unexpected event like COVID-19 occurs and unplanned costs such as home schooling arise.
Queenslanders demand for Wills increased by 30%
With COVID-19 restrictions in place, Queenslanders are using their time in isolation to get their affairs in order causing a spike in Will appointments at the Public Trustee.
Queenslanders urged to check: up to $150 million in unclaimed moneys
Due to a change of name or address, lost paperwork, or simply forgetting about it, some people may not have received money that is owed to them.
Public Trustee encourages women to plan for their future on IWD 2020
In celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) on Sunday 8 March, the Public Trustee is reminding Queensland women about the importance of planning for their future, and the future of their loved ones.
Public Trustee launches online search of estate properties for sale
Buying deceased estate property in Queensland has been made easier with a new property search now available through the Public Trustee’s website.
QATSIF named as finalist for community group of the year award
The Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) has been announced as a finalist in this year’s Queensland Community Achievement Awards (QCAA).
Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with a Disability opens in Brisbane
The long-awaited Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability has officially opened in Brisbane during Disability Action Week.
QATSIF nominated semi-finalists in Community Achievement Awards
Congratulations to Queensland Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) who have been nominated as a semi-finalist in the Queensland Community Achievement Awards.
New online resource hub for Queensland’s housing and homelessness sector
Over 100 people turned out for the launch of Q Shelter’s new digital resource hub named The Deck.
2019 Queensland Wills Week
The Public Trustee is hosting Queensland Wills Week again this year to raise awareness about the importance of having a valid and up-to-date will.
A message from the Public Trustee of Queensland
Last night, a statement was released to the media from the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath stating that the Governor in Council had approved a recommendation to immediately suspend the Public Trustee of Queensland, Mr Peter Carne, pending a show cause notice.