The government is forcing the Public Trustee to unfairly gouge the wallets of people who are under Administration Orders under the Guardianship and Administration Act 1995, Greens Justice spokesperson Nick McKim MP said today.
“A comparison of fees that are required to be paid by people under Administration Orders in other jurisdictions shows just how deeply the government has its hands in the pockets of some of Tasmania’s most disadvantaged people,” Mr McKim said.
“The fees charged by the Public Trustee are three times higher than those charged by the next highest jurisdiction, and many times those charged by every other jurisdiction. This is an unacceptable situation, and one that the government must address.”
“Some of Tasmania’s most disadvantaged people are foregoing essentials like food, rent and electricity costs in order to pay these completely unreasonable and unfair charges.”
“The Minister knows that the community sector is now at times not applying for Administration Orders because they know they will lead to financial ruin for their clients. Instead, community sector organisations are increasingly taking on the task themselves which increases the pressure on the sector and increases risk for clients.”
“The lack of leadership on this issue from Minister Goodwin on this issue is appalling, and speaks volumes about that lack of compassion that this government has,” Mr McKim said.
Annual Public Trustee/Public Guardian cost to a pensioner under Administration Order:
| Tas | $ 1476 |
| ACT | $0-$497 |
| WA | $108 |
| QLD | $100 |
| NSW | $8-$13 |
| VIC | free |
| NT | free |
| SA | free |