I was pleased to report the significant progress in implementing the recommendations from the Independent Review into the Public Trustee by Mr Damian Bugg AM KC to the Government Business Scrutiny Committee today.
More than half of the 28 recommendations have now been implemented with the remaining recommendations underway.
Importantly, this includes the completion of updating performance measures to ensure the independence of represented persons is promoted and their wishes are communicated.
As administrator, the Public Trustee can have significant power and control over the lives of its clients, which is why there is such a strong responsibility on the Public Trustee to ensure that client’s best interests are supported.
Therefore, informed by the Independent Review, the Public Trustee has undertaken a significant amount of work to improve its client services and culture.
Part of this improvement is a recruitment drive to employ an additional 10 Client Account Managers and additional team leaders around the State to support vulnerable Tasmanians.
These additional Client Managers will significantly reduce the caseload levels from between 100 and 150 per manager down to just 50.
This will allow a more personalised client experience for those receiving Financial Administration as appointed via the guardianship stream of TASCAT.
This will also provide a welcome boost for the hardworking and dedicated staff at the Public Trustee who perform both an important and challenging role.
I would again like to thank the CEO of the Public Trustee, Mr Todd Kennedy, the Board and their hard-working staff in working closely with our Government to implement these recommendations and make some much-needed cultural and other changes.