A report from the NSW Audit Office has assessed whether the NSW Trustee and Guardian is effectively delivering public guardianship and financial management services in line with legislative requirements and standards.
The audit found the NSW Trustee and Guardian was delivering guardianship and financial management services in line with its broad legal authority.
“However, NSW Trustee and Guardian does not have sufficient oversight to ensure that its services are consistent with legislative principles which aim to promote positive client outcomes,” the audit said.
“The Agency’s governance and practices could be better supported by relevant training and guidance to account for the diversity of its clients.”
The Audit found that the NSW Trustee and Guardian did not track the actual costs of service delivery, the quality of services or client experiences and that key findings from previous reviews remained unresolved.
“Government funding for public guardianship services and direct financial management services for low-wealth clients has not kept pace with the growth in clients,” it said.
“There is a risk that some fee-paying clients are unknowingly subsidising others.”
The audit made a number of recommendations, including that the NSW Trustee and Guardian broaden governance arrangements to enable input to key decisions from people with lived experience, relevant peak bodies and representatives of diverse communities.
It also urged the Agency to implement mechanisms to seek feedback on the effectiveness and quality of services from clients under orders, and to assess staff competency and implement regular training.
The full 102-page audit report can be accessed at this PS News link.
