Disclaimer: *Some names in this article have been changed for privacy purposes.

The Office of the Public Trustee in Queensland has been accused of overcharging some of its most vulnerable clients, according to a bombshell report.

The agency has been accused of pushing people into poverty with unreasonable fees, and a separate review commissioned by the Public Trustee suggested charging an even higher annual fee.

Two years ago, Sue* feared that she was at risk of gambling away a disability payout worth $20,000. This comes after a particularly difficult manic episode that was triggered by a mental health disorder.

She visited her GP, who then advised her to give the Queensland Public Trustee temporary control of her finances. The Queensland Public Trustee is a government agency that manages money for people who cannot do so themselves.

Sue* mentioned that she’d heard of them before, but ‘didn’t know much about them’. She asked her doctor if she could dismiss the Public Trustee once she was better. Her GP said that as soon as she could manage her own affairs, all she had to do was get a medical report to confirm that she was better.

Sue* said that she didn’t know much about the Public Trustee. Credit: Alex Green in Pexels

Despite her recovery, the government agency kept control of her money – a situation that Sue* described as a ‘living nightmare’.

Sue* is supposed to receive a Centrelink allowance of $750. She shared that she uses the money to buy food, personal hygiene stuff, cleaning products, and fuel for her car.

However, she said that she only receives $200 a week from the Public Trustee.

‘I’m in debt. I’m borrowing money from family and friends to live on.’

Sue* also shared that she’s not aware of the fees she’s supposedly paying because the government agency only emails a link to her statements – a link that expires within 14 days upon receipt. There are no hard copies of her accounts.

The Public Trustee previously said that it ‘takes information privacy and security matters seriously’. The government agent explained that customers can contact a Trust officer if they ever need assistance.

Luckily, Sue* is now back in control of her finances and is taking regular medication, according to her GP and psychiatrist.

However, reports from Queensland’s Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) claim that the Public Trustee must ‘remain her financial administrator’.

Around 50,000 Australians are under the control of trustees and guardians.

‘I don’t know how they sleep at night, to be honest with you,’ Sue shared in an interview. Credit: Alex Green in Pexels

Gag laws across the country make it difficult for people to speak up about their experiences to the media – this is a crime punishable by jail or hefty fines.

In 2021, a bombshell report diving into the government agency was released by the Public Advocate, Queensland’s disability watchdog.

The report found that many clients were charged unreasonable fees for little-to-no service.

The Public Advocate also alleged that the Public Trustee was earning fees by investing people’s money in its funds and taking a cut out of the earnings – which is something that the Public Trustee has deemed permissible under Queensland’s laws.

Last week, the Queensland government responded to the report by releasing a separate review commissioned by the Public Trustee.

In the review, it was recommended that the Public Trustee ‘charge clients even higher fees, increase its hourly rates, and use a time-billing method for more accurate charges’.

It was also recommended that the government agency raise its annual fees for the majority of its clients – that’s over 10,00 people who have lost capacity because of brain injuries, intellectual disabilities, or dementia.

The majority of the Public Trustee's clients are people who have lost capacity due to dementia or other brain injuries. Credit: Pixabay in Pexels

Matilda Alexander, the Chief Executive of Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion, said that the report prioritised the ‘financial stability for the Public Trustee’ instead of the care needed by their vulnerable clients.

‘They don’t have the basics to live a dignified life, despite having that money in the bank,’ she said.

The Office of the Public Trustee is facing additional scrutiny after a Four Corners report revealed that their cognitively impaired clients were unaware of the fees taken out of their accounts. These fees were reported to be tens of thousands of dollars.

Following the Four Corners report, the Public Advocate recommended that the gag laws surrounding the QCAT be repealed, this would then reveal the identities of the clients under the Public Trustees’ care. However, authorities opposed the proposal.

Key Takeaways

• The Queensland Public Trustee has been accused of overcharging vulnerable clients and pushing some into poverty with unreasonable fees.
• The Public Trustee has released a separate review which recommends it charge clients more in annual fees.
• A Four Corners report claimed that clients were unaware of the fees taken out of their accounts. These fees were said to be worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Well, members, what can you say about this report? Share your thoughts in the comments!

 

[Ricci]

There has to be someone, or some agency, surely that would HONESTLY take over the management of incapacitated clients.
You would expect these people to charge a fee for their services, however I certainly wouldn't want them to fleece their clients. And what's with the gag order? If you've done nothing wrong and are completely above board surely you'd want everybody including future clients to know.
I can see why they don't want to relinquish a client as then it could be proved they were doing wrong.
These people want (need) a kick up the backside and to be brought back into line. They are dealing with people's lives here.
It makes me so mad that people who at their most vulnerable can be taken in such a manner.

 

[Pat T]

Disclaimer: *Some names in this article have been changed for privacy purposes.

The Office of the Public Trustee in Queensland has been accused of overcharging some of its most vulnerable clients, according to a bombshell report.

The agency has been accused of pushing people into poverty with unreasonable fees, and a separate review commissioned by the Public Trustee suggested charging an even higher annual fee.

Two years ago, Sue* feared that she was at risk of gambling away a disability payout worth $20,000. This comes after a particularly difficult manic episode that was triggered by a mental health disorder.

She visited her GP, who then advised her to give the Queensland Public Trustee temporary control of her finances. The Queensland Public Trustee is a government agency that manages money for people who cannot do so themselves.

Sue* mentioned that she’d heard of them before, but ‘didn’t know much about them’. She asked her doctor if she could dismiss the Public Trustee once she was better. Her GP said that as soon as she could manage her own affairs, all she had to do was get a medical report to confirm that she was better.

View attachment 8126

Sue* said that she didn’t know much about the Public Trustee. Credit: Alex Green in Pexels

Despite her recovery, the government agency kept control of her money – a situation that Sue* described as a ‘living nightmare’.

Sue* is supposed to receive a Centrelink allowance of $750. She shared that she uses the money to buy food, personal hygiene stuff, cleaning products, and fuel for her car.

However, she said that she only receives $200 a week from the Public Trustee.

‘I’m in debt. I’m borrowing money from family and friends to live on.’

Sue* also shared that she’s not aware of the fees she’s supposedly paying because the government agency only emails a link to her statements – a link that expires within 14 days upon receipt. There are no hard copies of her accounts.

The Public Trustee previously said that it ‘takes information privacy and security matters seriously’. The government agent explained that customers can contact a Trust officer if they ever need assistance.

Luckily, Sue* is now back in control of her finances and is taking regular medication, according to her GP and psychiatrist.

However, reports from Queensland’s Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) claim that the Public Trustee must ‘remain her financial administrator’.

Around 50,000 Australians are under the control of trustees and guardians.

View attachment 8125

‘I don’t know how they sleep at night, to be honest with you,’ Sue shared in an interview. Credit: Alex Green in Pexels

Gag laws across the country make it difficult for people to speak up about their experiences to the media – this is a crime punishable by jail or hefty fines.

In 2021, a bombshell report diving into the government agency was released by the Public Advocate, Queensland’s disability watchdog.

The report found that many clients were charged unreasonable fees for little-to-no service.

The Public Advocate also alleged that the Public Trustee was earning fees by investing people’s money in its funds and taking a cut out of the earnings – which is something that the Public Trustee has deemed permissible under Queensland’s laws.

Last week, the Queensland government responded to the report by releasing a separate review commissioned by the Public Trustee.

In the review, it was recommended that the Public Trustee ‘charge clients even higher fees, increase its hourly rates, and use a time-billing method for more accurate charges’.

It was also recommended that the government agency raise its annual fees for the majority of its clients – that’s over 10,00 people who have lost capacity because of brain injuries, intellectual disabilities, or dementia.

View attachment 8124

The majority of the Public Trustee's clients are people who have lost capacity due to dementia or other brain injuries. Credit: Pixabay in Pexels

Matilda Alexander, the Chief Executive of Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion, said that the report prioritised the ‘financial stability for the Public Trustee’ instead of the care needed by their vulnerable clients.

‘They don’t have the basics to live a dignified life, despite having that money in the bank,’ she said.

The Office of the Public Trustee is facing additional scrutiny after a Four Corners report revealed that their cognitively impaired clients were unaware of the fees taken out of their accounts. These fees were reported to be tens of thousands of dollars.

Following the Four Corners report, the Public Advocate recommended that the gag laws surrounding the QCAT be repealed, this would then reveal the identities of the clients under the Public Trustees’ care. However, authorities opposed the proposal.

Key Takeaways

• The Queensland Public Trustee has been accused of overcharging vulnerable clients and pushing some into poverty with unreasonable fees.
• The Public Trustee has released a separate review which recommends it charge clients more in annual fees.
• A Four Corners report claimed that clients were unaware of the fees taken out of their accounts. These fees were said to be worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Well, members, what can you say about this report? Share your thoughts in the comments!

My mother told me back in the ‘60s never to deal with the Public Trusties. Now with so many feathering their own nests , it could only get worse.

 

[RTS]

I've always been aware that the Public Trustee charges high fees, and would never deal with them.
Some people choose them as executors of their wills.

 

[JayKay]

My Mum was a deserted wife way back, and I knew even then the Public Trustees were not public and not trustworthy.
My Mum did all she could to keep us 3 together and she worked 2 jobs to stay afloat.
When I was about 2.5 years old, Mum had a compulsory visit to a Social Worker from the Public Trustees.
We had to go in to the City, and go up in one of those ancient double door lifts with the operator in a suit and hat.
When we got in there, the office was nearly dark....there was a tiny yellow light way up high in the centre.
All the walls were covered with shelving, every shelf was stacked full of papers tied up with dark blue ribbons.
The woman was dressed in black and she had a wide brimmed black hat on.
To my little girl mind, she looked like a witch.
Mum sat me on her knee, and my sister stood beside us.
The woman started to speak, and her voice was very croaky. She had to be a witch.
She asked Mum a question and Mum answered that it was none of her business.
With that, I opened my mouth and screamed, and screamed, and screamed, and screamed some more.
Mum could not placate me, in fact...she didn't try.
Poor old witch lady could tolerate a screaming little girl.
Maybe she thought my tears would dissolve her as in the Wizard of Oz?
I really don't know...to this day.
Witch lady shooed us out, and never finished her questions, and Mum didn't answer a thing.
When we got outside, I really thought I was going to get into trouble.
Mum didn't say a thing.
I have a friend whose Mother was forced to have her finances managed by Public Trustees. There was no choice, no negotiation....the authorities overruled the family.
Fees were extracted left, right and centre, they forced the family to sell the mother's block of land to continue having the fees paid.
Highway robbery!
Do all you can to stay under the radar....

 

[Hrynpa]

Disclaimer: *Some names in this article have been changed for privacy purposes.

The Office of the Public Trustee in Queensland has been accused of overcharging some of its most vulnerable clients, according to a bombshell report.

The agency has been accused of pushing people into poverty with unreasonable fees, and a separate review commissioned by the Public Trustee suggested charging an even higher annual fee.

Two years ago, Sue* feared that she was at risk of gambling away a disability payout worth $20,000. This comes after a particularly difficult manic episode that was triggered by a mental health disorder.

She visited her GP, who then advised her to give the Queensland Public Trustee temporary control of her finances. The Queensland Public Trustee is a government agency that manages money for people who cannot do so themselves.

Sue* mentioned that she’d heard of them before, but ‘didn’t know much about them’. She asked her doctor if she could dismiss the Public Trustee once she was better. Her GP said that as soon as she could manage her own affairs, all she had to do was get a medical report to confirm that she was better.

View attachment 8126

Sue* said that she didn’t know much about the Public Trustee. Credit: Alex Green in Pexels

Despite her recovery, the government agency kept control of her money – a situation that Sue* described as a ‘living nightmare’.

Sue* is supposed to receive a Centrelink allowance of $750. She shared that she uses the money to buy food, personal hygiene stuff, cleaning products, and fuel for her car.

However, she said that she only receives $200 a week from the Public Trustee.

‘I’m in debt. I’m borrowing money from family and friends to live on.’

Sue* also shared that she’s not aware of the fees she’s supposedly paying because the government agency only emails a link to her statements – a link that expires within 14 days upon receipt. There are no hard copies of her accounts.

The Public Trustee previously said that it ‘takes information privacy and security matters seriously’. The government agent explained that customers can contact a Trust officer if they ever need assistance.

Luckily, Sue* is now back in control of her finances and is taking regular medication, according to her GP and psychiatrist.

However, reports from Queensland’s Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) claim that the Public Trustee must ‘remain her financial administrator’.

Around 50,000 Australians are under the control of trustees and guardians.

View attachment 8125

‘I don’t know how they sleep at night, to be honest with you,’ Sue shared in an interview. Credit: Alex Green in Pexels

Gag laws across the country make it difficult for people to speak up about their experiences to the media – this is a crime punishable by jail or hefty fines.

In 2021, a bombshell report diving into the government agency was released by the Public Advocate, Queensland’s disability watchdog.

The report found that many clients were charged unreasonable fees for little-to-no service.

The Public Advocate also alleged that the Public Trustee was earning fees by investing people’s money in its funds and taking a cut out of the earnings – which is something that the Public Trustee has deemed permissible under Queensland’s laws.

Last week, the Queensland government responded to the report by releasing a separate review commissioned by the Public Trustee.

In the review, it was recommended that the Public Trustee ‘charge clients even higher fees, increase its hourly rates, and use a time-billing method for more accurate charges’.

It was also recommended that the government agency raise its annual fees for the majority of its clients – that’s over 10,00 people who have lost capacity because of brain injuries, intellectual disabilities, or dementia.

View attachment 8124

The majority of the Public Trustee's clients are people who have lost capacity due to dementia or other brain injuries. Credit: Pixabay in Pexels

Matilda Alexander, the Chief Executive of Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion, said that the report prioritised the ‘financial stability for the Public Trustee’ instead of the care needed by their vulnerable clients.

‘They don’t have the basics to live a dignified life, despite having that money in the bank,’ she said.

The Office of the Public Trustee is facing additional scrutiny after a Four Corners report revealed that their cognitively impaired clients were unaware of the fees taken out of their accounts. These fees were reported to be tens of thousands of dollars.

Following the Four Corners report, the Public Advocate recommended that the gag laws surrounding the QCAT be repealed, this would then reveal the identities of the clients under the Public Trustees’ care. However, authorities opposed the proposal.

Key Takeaways

• The Queensland Public Trustee has been accused of overcharging vulnerable clients and pushing some into poverty with unreasonable fees.
• The Public Trustee has released a separate review which recommends it charge clients more in annual fees.
• A Four Corners report claimed that clients were unaware of the fees taken out of their accounts. These fees were said to be worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Well, members, what can you say about this report? Share your thoughts in the comments!

I had a similar experience with the NSW trustee and Guardianship

 

[Macarj]

I've always been aware that the Public Trustee charges high fees, and would never deal with them.
Some people choose them as executors of their wills.

I wouldn't use them I will let my son handle my affairs when I can't

 

[LaniK]

Disclaimer: *Some names in this article have been changed for privacy purposes.

The Office of the Public Trustee in Queensland has been accused of overcharging some of its most vulnerable clients, according to a bombshell report.

The agency has been accused of pushing people into poverty with unreasonable fees, and a separate review commissioned by the Public Trustee suggested charging an even higher annual fee.

Two years ago, Sue* feared that she was at risk of gambling away a disability payout worth $20,000. This comes after a particularly difficult manic episode that was triggered by a mental health disorder.

She visited her GP, who then advised her to give the Queensland Public Trustee temporary control of her finances. The Queensland Public Trustee is a government agency that manages money for people who cannot do so themselves.

Sue* mentioned that she’d heard of them before, but ‘didn’t know much about them’. She asked her doctor if she could dismiss the Public Trustee once she was better. Her GP said that as soon as she could manage her own affairs, all she had to do was get a medical report to confirm that she was better.

View attachment 8126

Sue* said that she didn’t know much about the Public Trustee. Credit: Alex Green in Pexels

Despite her recovery, the government agency kept control of her money – a situation that Sue* described as a ‘living nightmare’.

Sue* is supposed to receive a Centrelink allowance of $750. She shared that she uses the money to buy food, personal hygiene stuff, cleaning products, and fuel for her car.

However, she said that she only receives $200 a week from the Public Trustee.

‘I’m in debt. I’m borrowing money from family and friends to live on.’

Sue* also shared that she’s not aware of the fees she’s supposedly paying because the government agency only emails a link to her statements – a link that expires within 14 days upon receipt. There are no hard copies of her accounts.

The Public Trustee previously said that it ‘takes information privacy and security matters seriously’. The government agent explained that customers can contact a Trust officer if they ever need assistance.

Luckily, Sue* is now back in control of her finances and is taking regular medication, according to her GP and psychiatrist.

However, reports from Queensland’s Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) claim that the Public Trustee must ‘remain her financial administrator’.

Around 50,000 Australians are under the control of trustees and guardians.

View attachment 8125

‘I don’t know how they sleep at night, to be honest with you,’ Sue shared in an interview. Credit: Alex Green in Pexels

Gag laws across the country make it difficult for people to speak up about their experiences to the media – this is a crime punishable by jail or hefty fines.

In 2021, a bombshell report diving into the government agency was released by the Public Advocate, Queensland’s disability watchdog.

The report found that many clients were charged unreasonable fees for little-to-no service.

The Public Advocate also alleged that the Public Trustee was earning fees by investing people’s money in its funds and taking a cut out of the earnings – which is something that the Public Trustee has deemed permissible under Queensland’s laws.

Last week, the Queensland government responded to the report by releasing a separate review commissioned by the Public Trustee.

In the review, it was recommended that the Public Trustee ‘charge clients even higher fees, increase its hourly rates, and use a time-billing method for more accurate charges’.

It was also recommended that the government agency raise its annual fees for the majority of its clients – that’s over 10,00 people who have lost capacity because of brain injuries, intellectual disabilities, or dementia.

View attachment 8124

The majority of the Public Trustee's clients are people who have lost capacity due to dementia or other brain injuries. Credit: Pixabay in Pexels

Matilda Alexander, the Chief Executive of Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion, said that the report prioritised the ‘financial stability for the Public Trustee’ instead of the care needed by their vulnerable clients.

‘They don’t have the basics to live a dignified life, despite having that money in the bank,’ she said.

The Office of the Public Trustee is facing additional scrutiny after a Four Corners report revealed that their cognitively impaired clients were unaware of the fees taken out of their accounts. These fees were reported to be tens of thousands of dollars.

Following the Four Corners report, the Public Advocate recommended that the gag laws surrounding the QCAT be repealed, this would then reveal the identities of the clients under the Public Trustees’ care. However, authorities opposed the proposal.

Key Takeaways

• The Queensland Public Trustee has been accused of overcharging vulnerable clients and pushing some into poverty with unreasonable fees.
• The Public Trustee has released a separate review which recommends it charge clients more in annual fees.
• A Four Corners report claimed that clients were unaware of the fees taken out of their accounts. These fees were said to be worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Well, members, what can you say about this report? Share your thoughts in the comments!

This does not surprise me at all, My Mum was put in charge of her brothers will and the will was done through the PT. Lets just say that Mum, until that time had also had her will done with them. After what she experienced, she immediately paid for a solicitor to do her will and also her siblings did the same. Like Mum used to say "you dont have any control at all when it is in their hands". That was many years ago, and I thought in this day and age it may have changed. If the allegations of this lady are true, that is very sad.

 

[Suzanne rose]

I was told years ago from my grandparents to run from the public Trustee . If neither my husband or myself can deal with our finances then one of my children can do it.

 

[Tipsy]

Disclaimer: *Some names in this article have been changed for privacy purposes.

The Office of the Public Trustee in Queensland has been accused of overcharging some of its most vulnerable clients, according to a bombshell report.

The agency has been accused of pushing people into poverty with unreasonable fees, and a separate review commissioned by the Public Trustee suggested charging an even higher annual fee.

Two years ago, Sue* feared that she was at risk of gambling away a disability payout worth $20,000. This comes after a particularly difficult manic episode that was triggered by a mental health disorder.

She visited her GP, who then advised her to give the Queensland Public Trustee temporary control of her finances. The Queensland Public Trustee is a government agency that manages money for people who cannot do so themselves.

Sue* mentioned that she’d heard of them before, but ‘didn’t know much about them’. She asked her doctor if she could dismiss the Public Trustee once she was better. Her GP said that as soon as she could manage her own affairs, all she had to do was get a medical report to confirm that she was better.

View attachment 8126

Sue* said that she didn’t know much about the Public Trustee. Credit: Alex Green in Pexels

Despite her recovery, the government agency kept control of her money – a situation that Sue* described as a ‘living nightmare’.

Sue* is supposed to receive a Centrelink allowance of $750. She shared that she uses the money to buy food, personal hygiene stuff, cleaning products, and fuel for her car.

However, she said that she only receives $200 a week from the Public Trustee.

‘I’m in debt. I’m borrowing money from family and friends to live on.’

Sue* also shared that she’s not aware of the fees she’s supposedly paying because the government agency only emails a link to her statements – a link that expires within 14 days upon receipt. There are no hard copies of her accounts.

The Public Trustee previously said that it ‘takes information privacy and security matters seriously’. The government agent explained that customers can contact a Trust officer if they ever need assistance.

Luckily, Sue* is now back in control of her finances and is taking regular medication, according to her GP and psychiatrist.

However, reports from Queensland’s Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) claim that the Public Trustee must ‘remain her financial administrator’.

Around 50,000 Australians are under the control of trustees and guardians.

View attachment 8125

‘I don’t know how they sleep at night, to be honest with you,’ Sue shared in an interview. Credit: Alex Green in Pexels

Gag laws across the country make it difficult for people to speak up about their experiences to the media – this is a crime punishable by jail or hefty fines.

In 2021, a bombshell report diving into the government agency was released by the Public Advocate, Queensland’s disability watchdog.

The report found that many clients were charged unreasonable fees for little-to-no service.

The Public Advocate also alleged that the Public Trustee was earning fees by investing people’s money in its funds and taking a cut out of the earnings – which is something that the Public Trustee has deemed permissible under Queensland’s laws.

Last week, the Queensland government responded to the report by releasing a separate review commissioned by the Public Trustee.

In the review, it was recommended that the Public Trustee ‘charge clients even higher fees, increase its hourly rates, and use a time-billing method for more accurate charges’.

It was also recommended that the government agency raise its annual fees for the majority of its clients – that’s over 10,00 people who have lost capacity because of brain injuries, intellectual disabilities, or dementia.

View attachment 8124

The majority of the Public Trustee's clients are people who have lost capacity due to dementia or other brain injuries. Credit: Pixabay in Pexels

Matilda Alexander, the Chief Executive of Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion, said that the report prioritised the ‘financial stability for the Public Trustee’ instead of the care needed by their vulnerable clients.

‘They don’t have the basics to live a dignified life, despite having that money in the bank,’ she said.

The Office of the Public Trustee is facing additional scrutiny after a Four Corners report revealed that their cognitively impaired clients were unaware of the fees taken out of their accounts. These fees were reported to be tens of thousands of dollars.

Following the Four Corners report, the Public Advocate recommended that the gag laws surrounding the QCAT be repealed, this would then reveal the identities of the clients under the Public Trustees’ care. However, authorities opposed the proposal.

Key Takeaways

• The Queensland Public Trustee has been accused of overcharging vulnerable clients and pushing some into poverty with unreasonable fees.
• The Public Trustee has released a separate review which recommends it charge clients more in annual fees.
• A Four Corners report claimed that clients were unaware of the fees taken out of their accounts. These fees were said to be worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Well, members, what can you say about this report? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Sounds to me like another cover up the by the Foreign Registered Corporation called the "Queensland Government" Criminal organisation, doing what ever they can to line their coffers at the expense of those less fortunate enough to help themselves.... Are these people going to get all these excess charges reimbursed like all the "Criminal Banks" have to do..... It doesnt matter which political criminal group is in charge you will find this has be going on for decades and none have done anything to correct it as who ever is in always benefits from the SCAM. Until the people start causing a big stink about it the only thing that will change will be for the worse.

 

[RobD]

Is "Public Trustee" a contradiction?

 

[JayKay]

Is "Public Trustee" a contradiction?

100% contradictory.....it's incongruous.
They are less that public ....they do anything they like, not according to the rules, then won't explain why this or that fee is higher than it should be.
Trustees ....they should be trustworthy.
They only serve themselves, not the people who are trusting them. Far from trustworthy.
There should be a Royal Commission!

 

[Kkarr7]

Disclaimer: *Some names in this article have been changed for privacy purposes.

The Office of the Public Trustee in Queensland has been accused of overcharging some of its most vulnerable clients, according to a bombshell report.

The agency has been accused of pushing people into poverty with unreasonable fees, and a separate review commissioned by the Public Trustee suggested charging an even higher annual fee.

Two years ago, Sue* feared that she was at risk of gambling away a disability payout worth $20,000. This comes after a particularly difficult manic episode that was triggered by a mental health disorder.

She visited her GP, who then advised her to give the Queensland Public Trustee temporary control of her finances. The Queensland Public Trustee is a government agency that manages money for people who cannot do so themselves.

Sue* mentioned that she’d heard of them before, but ‘didn’t know much about them’. She asked her doctor if she could dismiss the Public Trustee once she was better. Her GP said that as soon as she could manage her own affairs, all she had to do was get a medical report to confirm that she was better.

View attachment 8126

Sue* said that she didn’t know much about the Public Trustee. Credit: Alex Green in Pexels

Despite her recovery, the government agency kept control of her money – a situation that Sue* described as a ‘living nightmare’.

Sue* is supposed to receive a Centrelink allowance of $750. She shared that she uses the money to buy food, personal hygiene stuff, cleaning products, and fuel for her car.

However, she said that she only receives $200 a week from the Public Trustee.

‘I’m in debt. I’m borrowing money from family and friends to live on.’

Sue* also shared that she’s not aware of the fees she’s supposedly paying because the government agency only emails a link to her statements – a link that expires within 14 days upon receipt. There are no hard copies of her accounts.

The Public Trustee previously said that it ‘takes information privacy and security matters seriously’. The government agent explained that customers can contact a Trust officer if they ever need assistance.

Luckily, Sue* is now back in control of her finances and is taking regular medication, according to her GP and psychiatrist.

However, reports from Queensland’s Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) claim that the Public Trustee must ‘remain her financial administrator’.

Around 50,000 Australians are under the control of trustees and guardians.

View attachment 8125

‘I don’t know how they sleep at night, to be honest with you,’ Sue shared in an interview. Credit: Alex Green in Pexels

Gag laws across the country make it difficult for people to speak up about their experiences to the media – this is a crime punishable by jail or hefty fines.

In 2021, a bombshell report diving into the government agency was released by the Public Advocate, Queensland’s disability watchdog.

The report found that many clients were charged unreasonable fees for little-to-no service.

The Public Advocate also alleged that the Public Trustee was earning fees by investing people’s money in its funds and taking a cut out of the earnings – which is something that the Public Trustee has deemed permissible under Queensland’s laws.

Last week, the Queensland government responded to the report by releasing a separate review commissioned by the Public Trustee.

In the review, it was recommended that the Public Trustee ‘charge clients even higher fees, increase its hourly rates, and use a time-billing method for more accurate charges’.

It was also recommended that the government agency raise its annual fees for the majority of its clients – that’s over 10,00 people who have lost capacity because of brain injuries, intellectual disabilities, or dementia.

View attachment 8124

The majority of the Public Trustee's clients are people who have lost capacity due to dementia or other brain injuries. Credit: Pixabay in Pexels

Matilda Alexander, the Chief Executive of Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion, said that the report prioritised the ‘financial stability for the Public Trustee’ instead of the care needed by their vulnerable clients.

‘They don’t have the basics to live a dignified life, despite having that money in the bank,’ she said.

The Office of the Public Trustee is facing additional scrutiny after a Four Corners report revealed that their cognitively impaired clients were unaware of the fees taken out of their accounts. These fees were reported to be tens of thousands of dollars.

Following the Four Corners report, the Public Advocate recommended that the gag laws surrounding the QCAT be repealed, this would then reveal the identities of the clients under the Public Trustees’ care. However, authorities opposed the proposal.

Key Takeaways

• The Queensland Public Trustee has been accused of overcharging vulnerable clients and pushing some into poverty with unreasonable fees.
• The Public Trustee has released a separate review which recommends it charge clients more in annual fees.
• A Four Corners report claimed that clients were unaware of the fees taken out of their accounts. These fees were said to be worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Well, members, what can you say about this report? Share your thoughts in the comments

Hi,
I live in WA and have daughters whose father has dementia and is in care. We are divorced. The Public Trustee have been handling his affairs for 3 years and my daughters have no idea whatsoever how much these people are charging? Even though they have requested a statement of fees charged, they were told that the office did not answer to anyone!! It’s outrageous! What hope do you have?
RaeJ

 

[Yvonne Margaretha]

Disclaimer: *Some names in this article have been changed for privacy purposes.

The Office of the Public Trustee in Queensland has been accused of overcharging some of its most vulnerable clients, according to a bombshell report.

The agency has been accused of pushing people into poverty with unreasonable fees, and a separate review commissioned by the Public Trustee suggested charging an even higher annual fee.

Two years ago, Sue* feared that she was at risk of gambling away a disability payout worth $20,000. This comes after a particularly difficult manic episode that was triggered by a mental health disorder.

She visited her GP, who then advised her to give the Queensland Public Trustee temporary control of her finances. The Queensland Public Trustee is a government agency that manages money for people who cannot do so themselves.

Sue* mentioned that she’d heard of them before, but ‘didn’t know much about them’. She asked her doctor if she could dismiss the Public Trustee once she was better. Her GP said that as soon as she could manage her own affairs, all she had to do was get a medical report to confirm that she was better.

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Sue* said that she didn’t know much about the Public Trustee. Credit: Alex Green in Pexels

Despite her recovery, the government agency kept control of her money – a situation that Sue* described as a ‘living nightmare’.

Sue* is supposed to receive a Centrelink allowance of $750. She shared that she uses the money to buy food, personal hygiene stuff, cleaning products, and fuel for her car.

However, she said that she only receives $200 a week from the Public Trustee.

‘I’m in debt. I’m borrowing money from family and friends to live on.’

Sue* also shared that she’s not aware of the fees she’s supposedly paying because the government agency only emails a link to her statements – a link that expires within 14 days upon receipt. There are no hard copies of her accounts.

The Public Trustee previously said that it ‘takes information privacy and security matters seriously’. The government agent explained that customers can contact a Trust officer if they ever need assistance.

Luckily, Sue* is now back in control of her finances and is taking regular medication, according to her GP and psychiatrist.

However, reports from Queensland’s Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) claim that the Public Trustee must ‘remain her financial administrator’.

Around 50,000 Australians are under the control of trustees and guardians.

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‘I don’t know how they sleep at night, to be honest with you,’ Sue shared in an interview. Credit: Alex Green in Pexels

Gag laws across the country make it difficult for people to speak up about their experiences to the media – this is a crime punishable by jail or hefty fines.

In 2021, a bombshell report diving into the government agency was released by the Public Advocate, Queensland’s disability watchdog.

The report found that many clients were charged unreasonable fees for little-to-no service.

The Public Advocate also alleged that the Public Trustee was earning fees by investing people’s money in its funds and taking a cut out of the earnings – which is something that the Public Trustee has deemed permissible under Queensland’s laws.

Last week, the Queensland government responded to the report by releasing a separate review commissioned by the Public Trustee.

In the review, it was recommended that the Public Trustee ‘charge clients even higher fees, increase its hourly rates, and use a time-billing method for more accurate charges’.

It was also recommended that the government agency raise its annual fees for the majority of its clients – that’s over 10,00 people who have lost capacity because of brain injuries, intellectual disabilities, or dementia.

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The majority of the Public Trustee's clients are people who have lost capacity due to dementia or other brain injuries. Credit: Pixabay in Pexels

Matilda Alexander, the Chief Executive of Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion, said that the report prioritised the ‘financial stability for the Public Trustee’ instead of the care needed by their vulnerable clients.

‘They don’t have the basics to live a dignified life, despite having that money in the bank,’ she said.

The Office of the Public Trustee is facing additional scrutiny after a Four Corners report revealed that their cognitively impaired clients were unaware of the fees taken out of their accounts. These fees were reported to be tens of thousands of dollars.

Following the Four Corners report, the Public Advocate recommended that the gag laws surrounding the QCAT be repealed, this would then reveal the identities of the clients under the Public Trustees’ care. However, authorities opposed the proposal.

Key Takeaways

• The Queensland Public Trustee has been accused of overcharging vulnerable clients and pushing some into poverty with unreasonable fees.
• The Public Trustee has released a separate review which recommends it charge clients more in annual fees.
• A Four Corners report claimed that clients were unaware of the fees taken out of their accounts. These fees were said to be worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Well, members, what can you say about this report? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Well. If no one in the Public Trust does not want any of its clients want to name any names , what are they hiding. I think it
sounds shonky and requires an immediate enquiry. Now, not in 12 months. NOW.

 

[Starkey]

This is one of the worst “ corporatised agencies “ in ALL states, to be avoided.
The most vulnerable are treated as cash cows for the salaries to run the agency.
The Guardianship agencies who ensure their control over people should be ashamed of themselves
I worked in social welfare to worked with those harmed by them in two states
Charlatans who need to be called to account, and legislation reviewed for protection of clients not enriching the agency

 

[Tipsy]

This is one of the worst “ corporatised agencies “ in ALL states, to be avoided.
The most vulnerable are treated as cash cows for the salaries to run the agency.
The Guardianship agencies who ensure their control over people should be ashamed of themselves
I worked in social welfare to worked with those harmed by them in two states
Charlatans who need to be called to account, and legislation reviewed for protection of clients not enriching the agency

Agreed, maybe an online government petition by the people will start something or even notifying ACA on nine might get things going.