Ms O’CONNOR – Thank you, Chair. Minister, as you know, many people who are on – under a guardianship order also have their affairs managed by the Public Trustee. This is a question that falls within this output, because it’s about vulnerable clients. You issued a press release a short time ago to say that the Public Trustee, which has come under enormous criticism in recent years, will be restructured with the commercial will, estate and trustee services to be transferred to the private sector. How will this lower costs for vulnerable clients?
Mr BARNETT – Thanks very much for the question. I’m pleased to have the opportunity to indicate that the Public Trustee will be restructured with the commercial will, estate and trustee services currently provided to be transferred to the private sector. In terms of that restructure the Public Trustee will operate within a government agency. There will be an independent review over coming weeks looking at best practice to ensure the most vulnerable Tasmanians receive the quality, efficient and effective services that they deserve.
This follows both the Dr Damian Bugg review as well as the Tasmanian Economic Regulator review of the Public Trustee fees and charges for clients required by law to use its services. I want to put on the record my thanks to the Public Trustee for their leadership, and likewise my thanks to the Chair and the board for their work to date, and indicate that this transition is expected to occur and take place over the next 12 to 18 months.
Ms O’CONNOR – Thanks, minister, but with respect you didn’t answer my question. If you are transferring commercial will, estate and trustee services from the Public Trustee to the private sector, it has all the makings of a lawyer’s picnic. Can you explain how doing this won’t lead to extra costs for vulnerable clients for people who are on orders? What will you as minister be doing to ensure that costs of these newly-privatised services with vulnerable people’s money will be restrained and contained?
Mr BARNETT – Thank you very much for the question, and that’s at the forefront of the government’s mind in terms of costs for vulnerable Tasmanians, those that need and deserve those services. That is one of the reasons why, based on the advice of not just the Bugg review but the Economic Regulator – because we need to ensure that those – well, I’ll use an example: the orders that you’ve made reference to, they will be part of the services delivered by government.
Within the Department of Justice, it will be a transition process that will remain at the top of my mind and, indeed, the government’s mind as we transition to ensure that the most vulnerable Tasmanians receive the quality, the efficient and effective services in a cost-effective manner. It is very important for those vulnerable Tasmanians that that is achieved, and that is the view of the government. I am more than happy for the acting secretary to add to that, but that’s hopefully an answer to assist the committee.
Ms O’CONNOR – We’re just about out of time, but I’m sure every member of this committee will be watching this one to make – to keep you to your word.
Mr BARNETT – Thank you for your feedback.
