Help from guardians and administrators
What is a guardian?
Guardians are people who manage the daily affairs of an adult with impaired decision-making capacity. They make personal and lifestyle decisions about things like medical treatment, housing, employment and support services.
A guardian:
- must be over 18 years of age
- must not be a paid carer or health provider
- is usually a family member or friend, or may have been appointed by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal or the former Guardianship and Administration Tribunal (GAAT).
What is an administrator?
Administrators are people who manage the financial, legal and property affairs of an adult with impaired decision-making capacity. Administrators:
- must be over 18 years of age
- cannot be a paid carer or health provider
- are usually family members or friends, the Public Trustee, or may have been appointed by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal or the former Guardianship and Administration Tribunal (GAAT).
Formal and informal guardians or administrators
Formal guardians or administrators are appointed by the tribunal to make decisions on behalf of a person with impaired decision-making capacity. The tribunal will explain the types of decision-making powers the guardian or administrator has.
Informal guardians or administrators come into this position through private arrangement. They are often a close relative or friend. The Guardianship and Administration Act 2000 recognises informal guardians. You will need to tell us if there is a close family member or friend helping make decisions about your personal or financial matters.
You must complete an:
- Informal Decision-Maker Details form (PDF, 27KB) and return it to your nearest Housing Service Centre. They will also have copies of this form.
Guardians and administrators
If we need to contact a client's guardian or administrator, it is important that we have their contact details and know what decisions they can make.
Formal guardians or administrators must complete a:
and attach a copy of the Tribunal’s order.
We will not contact you about a client's decisions unless this form is completed.
Informal guardians or administrators must complete a:
and attach a copy of the Tribunal’s order.
We will not contact you about a client's decisions unless this form is completed.
Your nearest Housing Service Centre will also have these forms.
Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal
The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal make decisions about the personal, health or financial affairs of an adult with impaired decision-making capacity.
They may also appoint a guardian or administrator to help with decisions for the adult. The adult can have more than 1 guardian or administrator making decisions on their behalf.
