Jack* has mental health issues and resides in supported independent living (SIL) accommodation. Queensland Public Trustee (QPT) was appointed under a full administration order to manage his finances by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).
Jack has a strong support system that helps him advocate for himself. He receives around the clock care in his living situation and receives a Disability Support Pension (DSP) from Centrelink. His SIL accommodation costs much of his pension.
In addition, Jack has a storage unit which is very important to him, and he has expressed he would like to keep it. He also had $17,000 in credit card debt with a major bank.
His storage unit was becoming unaffordable. However, getting rid of this unit was strongly against his views, wishes and preferences as expressed by his supports and himself directly.
Utilising the Structured Decision-Making Framework, QPT found a solution that was most suitable for Jack and his unique situation.
By accessing $16,000 of his superannuation, QPT was able to make sufficient payments to secure his storage unit whilst ensuring he receives sufficient regular living expense payments. QPT negotiated with the major bank to have his credit card debt completely waived due to his impaired capacity.
QPT will continue to support Jack and prioritise his wishes in our decision-making process. The aim of the Public Trustee’s Structured Decision-Making Framework is to continuously improve the quality of support given to customers.
This Framework was developed in consultation with La Trobe University and has been embedded into everyday practice to support stronger customer engagement through decision-making that is founded in the views, wishes and preferences of customers, in consultation with their support networks.
*Name changed for privacy