The Tasmanian Government welcomes the Report of the Independent Review into the administrative and operational practices of the Public Trustee, released today as promised.
The Review was undertaken by Damian Bugg AM QC, following the announcement on 10 June 2021 that an Independent Review would be carried out, in response to concerns raised by the community and clients around how their cases have been dealt with by the Public Trustee.
Mr Bugg delivered the report to Government on 30 November 2021, and I thank him for this important and timely work that was conducted in a comprehensive and consultative manner.
While some of the findings may be tough to hear, they are an opportunity to continue to improve the processes and systems of the Public Trustee and provide for a better client focus in order to meet its statutory obligations and community expectations into the future. This is particularly important in its work with vulnerable Tasmanians, at what can be the most difficult time in their lives.
It is critical to ensure the community maintains confidence in this vital service, and I can assure everyone that our Government will act on the findings and recommendations to make any necessary improvements.
The Report contains 28 recommendations and we will now take the time to consider these, along with the Report, in full before responding further.
The Final Report, along with the Terms of Reference of the Review, are available at https://www.justice.tas.gov.au/news_and_events/review-of-the-public-trustee