Elise Archer,Attorney-General
Minister for Justice
The Public Trustee interacts with Tasmanians at the most difficult times in their lives, and continues to provide essential services to the community regarding wills and estates, assisting around 2,000 people to manage their financial affairs.
The Public Trustee Annual Report, tabled today, confirms the Public Trustee carried out a survey of 528 beneficiaries of deceased estates administered by the Public Trustee, with around 90 per cent of respondents nominating a high level of satisfaction with services provided.
Importantly, I note this increased level of accountability will help to ensure that complaints are managed in an accountable, transparent, timely and meaningful way, with all complainants treated with respect throughout the process, and information used to improve services.
The Government understands that the Independent Review of the Public Trustee is also progressing well, which is currently being completed by the highly respected barrister Damian Bugg AM QC.
I look forward to receiving Mr Bugg's final report that will help resolve concerns raised about the Public Trustee and allow them to continue to deliver these important services into the future.
Any recommendations for reform to the Public Trustee resulting from this review will also inform our ongoing work to review the Guardianship and Administration framework, to ensure that the Tasmanian community can maintain trust and faith in this important authority.
