Contents
Guardianship and Administration Boards/Tribunals/Public Advocates
Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commissions
Support, Information and Referral Organisations
Guardianship and Administration Boards/Tribunals/Public Advocates
TASMANIA
Guardianship and Administration Board of Tasmania
The Guardianship and Administration Board can make decisions for the benefit of persons who have a
disability and are unable to make reasonable judgements about lifestyle and financial matters. The
functions of the Board are extensive and include powers in relation to: Guardianship; Enduring
guardianship; Administration; Enduring powers of attorney; Emergency situations; Consent to medical
or dental treatment; Statutory Wills.
GPO Box 1307
HOBART TAS 7001
Ph: 03 6233 3085
Fax: 03 6233 4509
Email: guardianship@justice.tas.gov.au
Web: www.guardianship.tas.gov.au/home
Office of the Public Guardian Tasmania
The Office of the Public Guardian promotes, speaks for, and protects the rights and interests
of people with disabilities and acts as the guardian of people with disabilities when appointed
by the Guardianship and Administration Board. The Guardianship and Administration Board can:
- make orders appointing a guardian or an administrator or both for an adult
person with a disability who is unable to make reasonable judgements in respect of
lifestyle and/or financial matters
- consent to medical treatment for persons with a disability incapable of giving an informed consent
- revoke or vary the terms of an enduring power of attorney
- make an order for the execution of a statutory will for a person who is incapable of making a will
GPO Box 825
HOBART TAS 7001
Ph: 03 6233 7608 (24hr)
Fax: 03 6233 4882
Email: public.guardian@info.tas.gov.au
Web: www.publicguardian.tas.gov.au
VICTORIA
Office of the Public Advocate Victoria
The Office of the Public Advocate represents the interests of Victorian people with disabilities. Our
aim is to promote the rights and dignity of people with disabilities, and to strengthen their position
in society. We are a statutory office which is independent of government services, and can investigate
and speak out about situations where people are exploited, neglected or abused. As a statutory office
we can investigate problems and, if necessary, use special authority to make enquiries on behalf of
people with disability where there are fears for their safety or concerns about their interests.
5th Floor, 436 Lonsdale Street
MELBOURNE VIC 3000
Ph: 03 9603 9500 or 1800 136 829
Fax: 03 9603 9501
TTY: 03 9603 9529
Email: publicadvocate@justice.vic.gov.au
Web: www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au
Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) - Guardianship List
The role of the Guardianship List is to protect persons aged 18 years or over who, as result of
a disability, are unable to make reasonable decisions about their person or circumstances or their
financial and legal affairs. VCAT hears and determines applications in relation to adults who have a
disability. Applications may include applications for orders appointing guardians to make decisions
about the person, including the person's accommodation; appointing administrators to manage financial
and legal affairs; revoking an attorney's appointment, or varying, suspending or making another order
in relation to a financial EPA (enduring power of attorney); revoking or suspending an enduring power
of attorney (medical treatment); consenting to a "special procedure" (that is, a procedure intended or
likely to cause infertility; termination of pregnancy; removal of tissue for transplanting; a procedure
carried out for the purposes of medical research).
55 King Street
MELBOURNE VIC 3000
Ph: 03 9628 9911 or 1800 133 055
Fax: 03 9628 9932
Email: vcat@vcat.vic.gov.au
Web: www.vcat.vic.gov.au
QUEENSLAND
Adult Guardian - Queensland
The role of the Adult Guardian is to protect the rights and interests of adults with impaired capacity.
The Adult Guardian offers support and advice to guardians, attorneys, administrators and others acting
informally, to assist them when making personal, health care or financial decisions for adults with
impaired capacity. The Adult Guardian can be responsible for making decisions on health matters on behalf
of an adult with impaired capacity. This may occur when there is no attorney, there is a dispute between
attorneys, or there has been a breach of duty by an attorney or guardian in relation to health care or
other matters. The Adult Guardian can also be appointed as a guardian by the Guardianship and Administration
Tribunal, or as an attorney under an enduring power of attorney or an advance health directive.
Level 3
Brisbane Magistrates Courts Complex
363 George Street
BRISBANE QLD 4000
Ph: 07 3234 0870 or 1300 653 187
Email: adult.guardian@justice.qld.gov.au
Web: www.justice.qld.gov.au/guardian/ag.htm
Guardianship and Administration Tribunal (GAAT) - Queensland
The Tribunal has the authority to appoint guardians and administrators for adults with impaired decision-making
capacity. The Tribunal works from the following principles:
- most people with disabilities don't need a legally-appointed guardian or financial manager;
- GAAT is the last resort and should only be used when a person is incapable of making their own
decisions and when all other suitable alternatives have been tried;
- GAAT's main concern is the welfare of the person with impaired decision-making capacity.
Level 9, 259 Queen Street
BRISBANE QLD 4000
Ph: 1300 780 666
Fax: 07 3221 9156
Email: guardianship@justice.qld.gov.au
Web: www.justice.qld.gov.au/guardian/gaat.htm
Public Advocate - Queensland
The role of the Public Advocate is to identify widespread situations of abuse, exploitation or neglect of
people with impaired capacity due to shortcomings in the systems or facilities of a service provider. The
Public Advocate then reports these findings to State Parliament. The Public Advocate, like the Adult
Guardian, is concerned with protecting the rights and interests of people with impaired capacity. Unlike
the Adult Guardian though, the Public Advocate does not deal with individual cases. Rather he looks at
widespread deficiencies in institutions and systems that affect a large number of people with impaired capacity.
Floor 1 State Law Building
50 Ann Street
BRISBANE QLD 4000
Ph: 07 3224 7424
Fax: 07 3224 7364
Web: www.justice.qld.gov.au/guardian/pa.htm
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Guardianship & Management of Property Tribunal - Australian Capital Territory
The role of the Guardianship and Management of Property Tribunal is to provide legal authority in the form
of guardianship and management orders, to family members or friends of adult persons who have impaired
decision making ability so that the person's affairs, personal or financial, may be conducted appropriately.
The Tribunal is governed by the Guardianship and Management of Property Act 1991.
Ground Floor - ACT Magistrates Court
4 Knowles Place
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Ph: 02 6217 4283 or 02 6217 4282
Fax: 02 6217 4505
Email: magistrates.court@act.gov.au
Web: www.courts.act.gov.au/magistrates/index.html
Office of the Community Advocate - Australian Capital Territory
The Office of the Community Advocate has a range of statutory functions and powers with respect to
children and young people, and adults with a mental illness or impaired decision making ability,
who require protection from abuse, exploitation or neglect. We have responsibilities to generally
promote, and individually represent, the best interests of people who are not able to protect or
represent their own interests.
3rd Floor, CFM Building
12 Moore St
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Ph: 02 6207 0707
Fax: 02 6207 0688
Email: oca@act.gov.au
Web: www.oca.act.gov.au/index.html
NEW SOUTH WALES
Guardianship Tribunal - New South Wales
The primary role of the Guardianship Tribunal is to make guardianship and financial management
orders for people aged 16 years and over with decision-making disabilities. The Guardianship
Tribunal makes decisions in relation to the appointment of guardians and financial managers,
or in relation to medical and dental consent, for people with disabilities who do not have the
capacity to make their own decisions.
Locked Bag 9
BALMAIN NSW 2041
Ph: (02) 9555 8500 or 1800 463928
TTY: (02) 9552 8534
Fax: (02) 9555-9049
Email: gt@gt.nsw.gov.au
Web: www.gt.nsw.gov.au
Office of the Public Guardian - New South Wales
The Office of the Public Guardian exists to promote the rights and interests of people with
disabilities through the practice of guardianship, advocacy and education. The Guardianship Tribunal
appoints NSW Public Guardian as guardian of last resort and the Office is part of the Attorney General's
Department. Our main roles are to:
- make a particular lifestyle decision on behalf of a person under the guardianship
of the Public Guardian when given the authority to do so;
- provide or withhold consent to medical and dental treatment on behalf of a person
under guardianship of the Public Guardian when given the authority to do so;
- advocate on behalf of the person under guardianship for services the person may need;
- be the guardian for time specified in the guardianship order;
- provide information and support to private and enduring guardians; and
- provide information on the role and function of guardians to the general community.
PO Box A231
SYDNEY SOUTH NSW 1235
Ph: 02 9265 3184 or 1800 451 510
TTY: 1800 882 889
Fax: 02 9283 2645
Email: informationsupport@opg.nsw.gov.au
Web: www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/opg.nsf/pages/index
NORTHERN TERRITORY
The Office of Adult Guardianship
Adult Guardianship gives someone the legal responsibility to make decisions for someone else,
over the age of 18, who is unable to make reasonable judgements or decisions about their daily
living because of an intellectual disability.
87 Mitchell Street
DARWIN NT 0800
Ph: 08 8999 2555
Fax: 08 8999 2469
Office of the Public Guardian - Darwin
Casuarina Plaza
Trower Road
CASUARINA NT 8011
Ph: 08 8922 7116 (Darwin)
Office of the Public Guardian - Alice Springs
AAHS Building
Flynn Drive
ALICE SPRINGS NT 0871
Ph: 08 8951 6739 (Alice Springs)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Guardianship Board of South Australia
The Guardianship Board was established under the Guardianship and Administration Act 1993. It
is a court like tribunal which has the power to make important decisions affecting the lives and
property of persons over whom it has jurisdiction. The Guardianship Board can exercise authority
for the benefit of persons who, as a result of a mental incapacity, are unable to look after their
own health, safety or welfare or to manage their own financial affairs. If requested, the Guardianship
Board has the power to enquire whether a person has the ability to make life decisions, such as where
he or she should live, about health care and other services, and about the management of finances. It
may appoint a guardian to make major personal and medical decisions, or an administrator to manage
financial affairs, or the Board may itself give consent for certain medical and dental treatments for
people incapable of giving their own informed and effective consent.
Level 8, ABC Building
85 North East Rd
COLLINSWOOD SA 5081
Tel (08) 8368 5600 or 1800 800 501
Fax (08) 8368 5699
Email: opasa@opa.sa.gov.au
Web: www.opa.sa.gov.au/page-d.htm
Office of the Public Advocate
The Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) was established under the Guardianship and Administration Act 1993
to promote and protect the rights and interests of people with reduced mental capacity and, where appropriate,
their carers. The OPA also has responsibilities under the Mental Health Act 1993. The OPA has several main
responsibilities. These are: Guardian of Last Resort; Investigation; Education; Advocacy.
Level 8, ABC Building
85 North East Rd
COLLINSWOOD SA 5081
Ph: 08 8269 7575 or 1800 066 969
Fax: 08 8269 7490
Email: opasa@opa.sa.gov.au
Web: www.opa.sa.gov.au
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
State Administrative Tribunal
Under the Guardianship and Administration Act 1990, the SAT handles all matters
that were previously the responsibility of the Guardianship and Administration Board. The SAT:
- makes orders for the appointment of guardians and administrators of
people with what might be generally termed a decision-making disability;
- reviews orders which have been made previously; and
- considers applications for intervention into Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA) and other
applications in respect of EPAs.
GPO Box U1991
PERTH WA 6845
Ph: 08 9219 3111 or 1300 306 017
Fax: 08 9325 5099
Web: www.sat.justice.wa.gov.au
Office of the Public Advocate
Level 1, Hyatt Centre
30 Terrace Road
EAST PERTH WA 6004
Ph: 08 9278 7300 or 1800 807 437
Fax: 08 9278 7333
Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commissions
NATIONAL
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) is a national independent statutory government
body. The Commission is administered by the President, who is the Chief Executive Officer. He is assisted
by the Human Rights, Race, Sex, Disability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
Commissioners. HREOC has responsibilities for inquiring into alleged infringements under
five anti-discrimination laws - the Racial Discrimination Act; the Sex Discrimination Act;
the Disability Discrimination Act; the Age Discrimination Act; and the Human Rights and Equal
Opportunity Commission Act 1986. Matters which can be investigated by the Commission include
discrimination on the grounds of race, colour or ethnic origin , racial vilification , sex,
sexual harassment, marital status, pregnancy, or disability. Human Rights education is one of
the core responsibilities of the Commission along with the investigation and attempted resolution
of complaints about breaches of human rights and anti-discrimination legislation.
Level 8, Piccadilly Tower
133 Castlereagh Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000
Ph: 02 9284 9600
Complaints Infoline: 1300 656 419
TTY: 1800 620 241
Fax: 02 9284 9611
Web: www.hreoc.gov.au
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Human Rights Office
The ACT Human Rights Office is a small, independent office which is headed by the ACT Human
Rights and Discrimination Commissioner. Our job is to promote human rights in the ACT by
administering the Discrimination Act 1991 and the ACT Human Rights Act.
12th Floor, 14 Moore St
CANBERRA CITY ACT 2601
Ph: 02 6207 0576
Fax: 02 6207 0587
TTY: 02 6207 0525
Email: human.rights@act.gov.au
Web: www.hro.act.gov.au/index.html
NEW SOUTH WALES
Anti-Discrimination Board
The Anti-Discrimination Board was set up in 1977 to administer the Anti-Discrimination Act. It
investigates and conciliates complaints of discrimination, harassment and vilification. The Board
is impartial in this process. It does not take sides. The Board tries to help both parties involved
come to an agreement about how the problem can be resolved. It informs and educates the people of NSW,
employers and service providers about their rights and responsibilities under anti-discrimination law.
It makes recommendations to the government about amendments to anti-discrimination law.
Stockland House
Level 4, 175-183 Castlereagh Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000
Ph: 02 9268 5555 or 1800 670 812
TTY: 02 9268 5522
Fax: 02 9268 5500
Web: www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/adb
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Anti-Discrimination Commission
The Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Commission is an independent, impartial body that investigates
and helps resolve complaints about discrimination and harassment. The Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination
Commission also provides training and education about Anti-Discrimination and Diversity policies to
businesses, government departments, schools and individuals.
7th Floor, National Mutual Building
9-11 Cavenagh Street
DARWIN NT 0800
Ph: 08 8999 1444 or 1800 813 846
Fax: 08 8981 3812
TTY: 8999 1466
Email: administrationadc@nt.gov.au
Web: www.nt.gov.au/justice/adc/
QUEENSLAND
Anti-Discrimination Commission
The Anti-Discrimination Commission is the organisation which administers the Queensland Anti-Discrimination
Act 1991.We work to promote equality of opportunity and to protect people from unlawful discrimination,
sexual harassment and public vilification. There are two main ways we do this - one is by handling
complaints from people, and the other is by informing people about discrimination issues.
Level 1, RAMS House
189 Coronation Drive
MILTON QLD 4064
Ph: 07 3247 0900 or 1300 130 670
TTY: 1300 130 680
Fax: 07 3247 0960
Email: info@adcq.qld.gov.au
Web: www.adcq.qld.gov.au
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Equal Opportunity Commission
The Equal Opportunity Commission promotes equality of opportunity for all South Australians through
the administration of anti-discrimination legislation. The Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA) is an 'Act
to promote equality of opportunity between the citizens of this State; to prevent certain kinds of
discrimination based on sex, sexuality, marital status, pregnancy, race, physical or intellectual
impairment or age; to facilitate the participation of citizens in the economic and social life of
the community; and to deal with other related matters'.
2nd floor, 45 Pirie Street
ADELAIDE SA 5000
Ph: 08 8207 1977 or 1800 188 163
TTY: 08 8207 1911
Fax: 08 8207 2090
Email: eoc@agd.sa.gov.au
Web: www.eoc.sa.gov.au
TASMANIA
Anti-Discrimination Commission
The Office of the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner co-operates with all Tasmanians in working towards a world
where discrimination, prejudice, bias and prohibited conduct are indicators of a history that is no longer
with us. The Commissioner administers the Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Act 1998. The Anti-Discrimination
Commissioner has a number of functions, including: the investigation of complaints; inquiring into
discrimination and prohibited conduct and their effects; the dissemination of information; undertaking
research and educational programs; promoting the recognition and approval of acceptable attitudes, acts
and practices.
Level 1, 54 Victoria Street
HOBART TAS 7000
Ph: 03 6233 4841 or 1300 305 062
Fax: 03 6233 5333
TTY: 03 6223 6234
Email: AntiDiscrimination@justice.tas.gov.au
Web: www.antidiscrimination.tas.gov.au
VICTORIA
Equal Opportunity Commission
The Equal Opportunity Commission Victoria helps people resolve complaints of discrimination, sexual
harassment and racial and religious vilification by offering a conciliation process that is: confidential;
impartial; free; and simple. In addition to our complaint resolution service, we offer information,
education and consultancy services, conduct research and provide legal and policy advice. The Commission
is a statutory body that reports to the Victorian Parliament through the State Attorney-General.
Level 3, 380 Lonsdale Street
MELBOURNE VIC 3000
Ph: 03 9281 7111 or 1800 134 142
TTY: 03 9281 7110
Email: eoc@vicnet.net.au
Web: www.standuptoracism.com.au/index.asp
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Equal Opportunity Commission
The Equal Opportunity Commission has two major roles. The first is to encourage recognition and an
understanding of the principles of equal opportunity. Laws alone do not end intolerance, prejudice and
discrimination in our community - so education is a vital part of the Commission's function. The second
is to provide a means of redress to individuals who allege unlawful discrimination.
Level 2, Hartleys Building
141 St George's Terrace
PERTH WA 6000
Ph: 08 9216 3900 or 1800 198 149
TTY: 08 9216 3936
Fax: 08 9216 3960
Email: eoc@equalopportunity.wa.gov.au
Web: www.equalopportunity.wa.gov.au
Support, Information and Referral Organisations
NEW SOUTH WALES
FPA Health
FPA Health (formerly Family Planning NSW) has been providing reproductive and sexual health
services in New South Wales for over 60 years. We are an independent, not-for-profit organisation
responsible to a voluntary board of directors. FPA Health is here to help you with all your sexual
and reproductive health needs. As well as seeing people in our centres around NSW, we also conduct health
promotion programs, train health professionals and undertake research.
328-336 Liverpool Rd
ASHFIELD NSW 2131
Ph: 02 8752 4300
Ph: 1300 658 886 (FPA Healthline)
TTY: 02 8752 4360
Web: www.fpahealth.org.au
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT
Sexual Health & Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT) has been provides sexual and reproductive health
services to people living in the ACT. Provides a range of services including Clinics
(Sexual Health & Family Planning; Menopause; Reproductive Healthcare); education, information
and training in sexuality and sexual health issues and related health areas; and a range of
counselling services (sexuality; menopause; pregnancy).
Level 1, 28 University Ave
CANBERRA CITY 2600 ACT
Ph: 02 6247 3077 (Clinics)
Ph: 02 62486222 (Counselling)
Fax: 0262575710
TTY: 02 62491483
Email: shfpact@shfpact.org.au
Web: www.shfpact.org.au
QUEENSLAND
Family Planning Queensland
FPQ provides sexual and reproductive health services to the wider community of Queensland. Services
include: education; clinical services; and information. A number of Family Planning offices are available
throughout Queensland.
Head Office
106 Alfred Street
FORTITUDE VALLEY 4006 QLD
Ph: (07) 3250 0200
Email: enquiry@fpq.com.au
Web: www.fpq.com.au
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Family Planning Welfare Association of the Northern Territory
Provides sexual and reproductive health care and education and training through clinics, workshops courses
and school sessions.
Ph: 08 8948 0326
Fax: 08 8948 0626
Email: fpsnt@fpsnt.org.au
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Sexual Health Information, Networking and Education (SHINE) South Australia
SHine SA provides a range of services including: prevention, promotion and education programs; clinical
services; therapeutic counselling; information, resources and library services; leadership and advocacy
for sexual health.
17 Phillips Street
KENSINGTON 5068 SA
Ph: 08 8431 5177
Fax: 08 8364 2389
Web: www.shinesa.org.au
TASMANIA
Family Planning Tasmania
Family Planning Tasmania is a community organisation which believes that human sexuality is an integral
part of life and actively promotes sexual health through its clinic services and education and training
centres in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie. Services include education and training; clinics; information;
counselling.
2 Midwood St
NEW TOWN 7008 TAS
Ph: 03 6228 5244 (clinic)
Ph: 1300 65 88 86 (Healthline)
Fax: 03 62281222
Email: info@fpt.asn.au
Web: www.fpt.asn.au
VICTORIA
Family Planning Victoria
Family Planning Victoria is an independent, non profit-making organisation responsible to a voluntary
board of directors. Our aim is to offer reliable, up-to-date and non-judgmental information about
contraception, family planning, safe sex and sexual and reproductive health. Services include: sexual
health clinics; counselling; health promotion and screening programs; fertility, infertility, planned
and unplanned pregnancy counselling and options.
901 Whitehorse Road
BOX HILL 3128 VIC
Ph: 03 9257 0100
Fax: 03 9257 0111
Email: fpv@fpv.org.au
Web: www.fpv.org.au
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Family Planning Association of Western Australia
The Family Planning Association of Western Australia Inc. (FPWA) is an autonomous, not-for-profit, non-government
organization. FPWA provides a range of services including: clinical services; clinical education;
education & training; information; specialised educational and counselling services for people with
disabilities; services for sex workers.
70 Roe Street
NORTHBRIDGE 6865 WA
Ph: 08 9227 6177
Ph: 08 9227 6178 (Sexual Health Helpline) or 1800 198 205
Fax: 08 9227 6871
Email: info@fpwa-health.org.au
Web: www.fpwa-health.org.au
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