What is Administration?
An administrator is a person or organisation legally appointed by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) to make decisions about financial matters for an adult who is unable to manage some or all of those decisions themselves because of impaired decision-making capacity.
Being appointed an administrator is a serious responsibility. The administrator must act in the person’s best interests, use a least restrictive approach, and include the person in decisions wherever possible.
QCAT will only appoint an administrator when:
- A person has been assessed as lacking capacity for specific financial decisions,
- There is a clear need for someone else to help manage money or property,
- The person has not already made arrangements (like an Enduring Power of Attorney), and
- Informal or less restrictive options are not working or suitable.
The goal is always to protect the person while still promoting their independence and autonomy.
Administrators are authorised to make decisions about financial and legal matters, which may include:
- Paying bills (e.g. utilities, rent, medical expenses),
- Managing bank accounts, savings, and income (e.g. wages, Centrelink, NDIS payments),
- Organising insurance, superannuation, or tax matters,
- Applying for or managing benefits (e.g. Centrelink, NDIS),
- Entering into or terminating contracts (e.g. rental agreements, service providers),
- Buying or selling property, including the person’s home,
- Managing debts, investments, or loans.
The exact powers and limits will be outlined in the QCAT Administration Order.
An administrator is not a guardian and cannot make personal or health care decisions, such as where the person lives or what medical treatment they receive.
Administrators also cannot:
- Use the person’s money for their own benefit,
- Restrict the person’s access to their money without justification,
- Make decisions that go beyond the scope of the QCAT order,
- Ignore the person’s views or act without consulting them (when possible).
Administrators must follow General Principles set out in Queensland law, which uphold dignity, inclusion, and participation.
Administrators must:
- Act honestly and carefully in managing the person’s money,
- Keep accurate financial records (receipts, account logs, plans),
- Report to QCAT when required (e.g. annual financial statements),
- Include the person in decisions as much as possible,
- Seek advice if they’re unsure or if a significant decision is needed.
If they fail to meet these responsibilities, QCAT can review, change, or revoke their appointment.
Additional Resources
Making decisions for others as a guardian or administrator (Queensland Government website) HERE
Decision-making for Adults with impaired capacity (QCAT website) HERE
Guardians – Personal decisions (QCAT website) HERE
Factsheet: Obligations of guardians and administrators (PDF retrieved from QLD Gov publications portal) HERE
Restrictive Practices (QCAT website) HERE