Serving Queensland, Summer 2012


Phone: 1300 360 044	Email: clientenq@pt.qld.gov.au	Website: www.pt.qld.gov.au	Twitter: @PTrusteeQLD

Serving Queensland

Peter Carne
The Public Trustee
of Queensland

Welcome to the first edition of Serving Queensland for 2012. The Public Trustee continues to be committed to raising community awareness of the importance for all Queenslanders over 18 to have a valid Will and even more importantly a valid Enduring Power of Attorney.

Based on research conducted in Victoria by State Trustees, we estimate over 50% of Queenslanders have not planned for their future with a valid Will and Enduring Power of Attorney.

As the ‘baby boomer’ generation ages there will be more Queenslanders with incapacity to manage their affairs due to age related illness such as dementia. Queensland is also beginning to see increasing transfers of wealth between generations as ‘baby boomers’ leave their estates to their loved ones.

If Queenslanders do not plan ahead with an Enduring Power of Attorney and a valid Will there will an increased burden on families, carers and the Queensland legal system.

As a valued stakeholder, we are asking for your support in 2012 to help us spread the word about the importance of Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney.

Warm regards

Peter Carne Signature
Peter Carne
The Public Trustee of Queensland

Enduring Powers of Attorney

An Enduring Power of Attorney is a legal document that outlines who you would like to manage your financial and health matters when you are unable to do so.

While you still have capacity, you can choose to nominate more than one Attorney. You can also specify the particular powers that your attorney/s can hold, as well as when the powers will come into effect.

Who you select as your Attorney is an extremely important decision as they will have the power to make decisions on your behalf.

These decisions might include where you will live, what community activities you participate in, your clothing, your health care and how your money will be invested.

Granting a person an Enduring Power of Attorney is not something that should be automatically done because they are family. You need to consider if that person is suitable for this important role.

Questions to consider are:

Do they manage their own financial affairs effectively?
Is there any conflict within the family?
Has there been a history of drug use, gambling or other addiction?
Will they have your best interests at heart?

If you feel that you have no suitable person to appoint as your Enduring Power of Attorney you can chose to appoint The Adult Guardian as your Attorney for health and personal matters.

You can also choose The Public Trustee of Queensland as your Attorney for financial matters.

The Public Trustee can prepare your Enduring Power of Attorney for a competitive fee.

Phone 1300 360 044 to book an appointment.

Nomination for Philanthropy Awards now open

Nominations have opened for the Queensland Community Foundation’s Philanthropist of the Year Awards which will recognise Queensland’s most generous individuals and business.

The awards are part of The Queensland Community Foundation’s Philanthropy Week which aims to raise awareness about philanthropy, honour those who make an outstanding contribution to the community, and advance support for the State's charities and community service organisations through sustainable giving.

With the awards now in their second year, The Queensland Community Foundation hopes to receive even more nominations to recognise outstanding individuals in the community.

Visit www.qcf.org.au for more information.

Queensland Wills Week 8-11 May 2012

Read about real life stories, discover facts and myths about Enduring Powers of Attorney and Wills at: www.willsweek.pt.qld.gov.au

Queensland Wills Week events will be happening across the State. Come along to meet your regional team and ask them questions.

In later editions of Serving Queensland we will be asking you to help us spread the valuable Queensland Wills Week message to your members.

Questions and Answers

Do you have a question you would like answered? Email marcoms@pt.qld.gov.au

Question

I was wondering how my husband and I can make provision for our children in our Wills?
Kylie – via email.

Answer

In addition to nominating the preferred guardian/s for your children aged under 18, you can make provision for them in your Will by setting up a minors trust.

You can specify how much money you would like to give them, if money is to be granted yearly for living and educational expenses.

To find out more about minors trusts phone 1300 360 044 and ask for your local Public Trustee service centre.

We can supply editorial for your newsletter

Please email Nadine.Eckert@pt.qld.gov.au if you would like us to supply you with editorial for your newsletter.

We can discuss a range of topics including the importance of having an Enduring Power of Attorney or a valid Will. Simply advise us of the word count, your deadline and what topic you would like us to cover.

Are you having an event?

Email Marcoms@pt.qld.gov.au if you have an event where you’d like Public Trustee information.

In addition to being able to provide Speaker Talks we have a range of brochures and our staff may be able to attend a stall to talk to your participants.

Email Marcoms@pt.qld.gov.au for more information.

Let us join your conversation

If you’re looking for a speaker at your next function then let us know.

We’re available to give free talks to your group about Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Executor Services.

To book one of our speakers phone 1800 014 536 or submit your request online by visiting www.pt.qld.gov.au

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