What is the Office of the Public Advocate?

The Office of the Public Advocate is an independent officer appointed by law to protect persons with disabilities that affect their decision-making capacity. The Office of the Public Advocate aims to reduce the risk of abuse or exploitation of persons who may need a guardian or administrator. If you make an application to the State Administrative Tribunal then the Office of the Public Advocate is notified and often asked to provide a report to the State Administrative Tribunal before the hearing. The Office of the Public Advocate will appoint a case manager to speak to the family members about what is happening and why a guardian or administrator may need to be appointed. If a person does not have a family member who is suitable to be guardian, then the State Administrative Tribunal can appoint the Office of the Public Advocate to be guardian.