Published on: 23rd October 2024
So what exactly is the difference between a Public Trustee vs. Public Guardian?
⚖️ We have a video breaking it down on the Auslan Resource Library! Available on our website now.
Want more resources in Auslan?
Deaf Connect is pleased to the launch of the Auslan Resource Library.
We consulted with the community about what kinds of information you would like access to, and have started publishing videos on topics like finance, government systems, technology and more.
Visual description of the thumbnail:
Title reads “Auslan Information Resource Hub: Public Trustee vs. Public Guardian” and shows a person with curly hair shrugging their shoulders and looking at the camera. It includes a note “Produced by Deaf Connect” and the background is a light, abstract pattern.
Transcript:
[The presenter is wearing professional attire and standing against a plain gray background. There are two columns, one of each side of them. On the left side of the screen the column is titled “Public Trustee”. On the right side of the screen the column is titled “Public Guardian”.]
This video has been produced to help guide you, in understanding the difference between the Public Guardian and the Public Trustee. The Public Guardian and the Public Trustee are two separate bodies.
A Public Guardian assists by making personal health decisions for people. They don’t provide support services, that is separate. The type of decisions a public guardian can make, depend on agreements made between them and the adult under the public guardian. It can include: The adult’s living situation as in the type of accommodation and location. Who can be contacted. Legal issues that arise, but that is separate to financial issues. Who they can visit, like which GP, hospital, or surgeon – anything to do with their medical needs. Their health care. Which service providers will provide support that meet the needs of the individual.
A Public Trustee assists the adult in managing their finances. A public trustee assist with a variety of areas including: Budgeting. Pension and other benefit payments. Paying bills. And approving expenses.
The Public Trustee and Public Guardian are not the same, they are separate bodies. A guardian assists an adult where they are can’t make decisions or are unable to make decisions. A guardian promotes safe protection of the adult’s rights and interests and opportunities, by making particular health and personal decisions on their behalf. Both bodies are committed to consulting with the adult and their support network in making sure decisions meet the needs of the individual.
