Public Trustee (Advisory and Monitoring Board) Amendment Bill 2021

Welcomes the implementation of recommendation 30 from the Public Advocate's report but criticises the bill as a missed opportunity since the board is only advisory with no governance power to direct the Public Trustee or minister.

“By being only advisory in its nature and with no governance power, this newly established board will not have the power to direct the Public Trustee or the minister.”— 2022-05-11View Hansard

As Attorney-General, moved the bill and defended its approach of establishing an advisory and monitoring board rather than a governance board, noting the complexity of changing the Public Trustee's corporate structure. Foreshadowed amendments to increase board membership and transparency requirements.

“The bill demonstrates the commitment of the Palaszczuk government to look after the interests of vulnerable Queenslanders by establishing the board and ensuring additional independent oversight over the Public Trustee.”— 2022-05-10View Hansard

Supports the bill to improve oversight of the Public Trustee.

“The bill improves oversight of the Public Trustee.”— 2022-05-11View Hansard

Delivered extensive critique of the bill as inadequate window-dressing that fails to address deep-seated cultural and organisational issues at the Public Trustee. Argued the board should have governance powers rather than merely advisory functions, but acknowledged government amendments made the bill marginally acceptable.

“This bill could have been so much more. It could have delivered so many better outcomes for customers of the Public Trustee and their families and loved ones. It barely scratches the surface.”— 2022-05-10View Hansard

Supports greater oversight but has concerns about the bill's limitations.

“Greater oversight is needed but the bill has limitations.”— 2022-05-11View Hansard

As committee chair, outlined the committee's three recommendations including that the bill be passed, and thanked stakeholders and the department for their contributions during the inquiry.

“The committee's task was to consider the policy to be achieved by the legislation and the application of the fundamental legislative principles—that is, to consider whether the bill has sufficient regard to the rights and liberties of individuals and the institution of parliament.”— 2022-05-10View Hansard

Supports the bill's oversight provisions.

“The bill provides important oversight.”— 2022-05-11View Hansard

Declared a personal interest in Public Trustee matters and expressed concerns about board independence given public servant appointments. Questioned why another layer of bureaucracy was needed when existing governance structures already exist within the Public Trustee.

“We want to ensure that vulnerable Queenslanders can have faith in this system and that it is the best that it can be.”— 2022-05-10View Hansard

Supports improved oversight but has concerns about the bill's approach.

“The bill could do more for oversight.”— 2022-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill as a government response to concerns about the Public Trustee, emphasising the need to safeguard the rights and interests of vulnerable Queenslanders and noting the support from advocacy groups for the proposed board composition.

“The government listened closely to our most vulnerable and advocacy groups in Queensland to strengthen the processes. We are acting on the concerns raised to make this process more effective to serve those who have been impacted.”— 2022-05-10View Hansard

Supports the bill's oversight provisions.

“The bill provides important oversight.”— 2022-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill but argued it was manifestly inadequate, implementing only one of 32 Public Advocate recommendations. Foreshadowed an amendment requiring six-monthly progress reports on implementing the remaining recommendations. Shared constituent stories of Public Trustee mistreatment.

“As we all know, in March a Four Corners episode highlighted what has been a critical issue for years. Clients of the Public Trustee are often completely at its mercy and have in many cases been subject to shocking financial and emotional abuse by the actions of the Public Trustee.”— 2022-05-10View Hansard

Supports improved oversight but has concerns.

“Greater oversight is needed.”— 2022-05-11View Hansard

As Minister for Seniors and Disability Services, supported the inclusion of his department's director-general on the board and welcomed the representation of First Nations peoples and the disability sector. Highlighted vulnerability of seniors to financial exploitation.

“As minister for some of the state's most vulnerable people, I welcome the extra oversight that is included in this bill. It is vital the public has full confidence that the Public Trustee will work in the best interests of those whom they represent.”— 2022-05-10View Hansard

Supports the bill's oversight provisions.

“The bill provides important oversight.”— 2022-05-11View Hansard

Supports improved oversight but has concerns about the bill's limitations.

“Greater oversight is needed but the bill could do more.”— 2022-05-11View Hansard

Supports the bill's oversight provisions.

“The bill provides important oversight.”— 2022-05-11View Hansard

Supports improved oversight but has concerns about the bill's approach.

“The bill could do more for oversight.”— 2022-05-11View Hansard

Supports the bill's oversight provisions.

“The bill provides important oversight.”— 2022-05-11View Hansard

Supports improved oversight but has concerns.

“Greater oversight is needed.”— 2022-05-11View Hansard

Supports the bill's oversight provisions.

“The bill provides important oversight.”— 2022-05-11View Hansard

Supports the bill's oversight provisions.

“The bill provides important oversight.”— 2022-05-11View Hansard