Changes to the disability sector, brought by the State Government’s 2013 agreement to join the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), continued to impact the Office in 2015/16. A number of the Office’s clients who receive disability support including accommodation and services and are under 65 years of age, were affected by the scheme. Delegated guardians from the Office worked with NDIS staff throughout the year in the development and approval of NDIS support plans in both the State and Commonwealth pilots. The scheme will be evaluated during the 2016/17 financial year and are plans to expand the scheme beyond the initial sites. Any expansion to the scheme will involve the Office carrying out further work to identify clients who may be impacted and liaising with relevant agencies in preparation for the scheme becoming ‘live’ in the new areas. DISCLOSURES AND LEGAL COMPLIANCE Disclosures and Compliance Financial Statements See the Department of the Attorney General annual report. Key Performance Indicators Notes to the Key Performance Indicators The following performance indicators should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes to the key performance indicators Advocacy, Guardianship and Administration Services In any society, the ability of a community to care for those who are unable to care for themselves is a measure of its maturity. In Western Australia, the preservation and enhancement of the right to justice and safety for all of its community members, requires that the State safeguards the rights of adults with reduced decision-making abilities, and reduces the incidence of risk, neglect and exploitation. The Public Advocate represents and advances the best interests of people with a decision-making disability, both at hearings for the appointment of a guardian and in the community. Key effectiveness indicators Actual 2012/13 Actual 2013/14 Actual 2014/15 Target 2015/16 Actual 2015/16 Comment on significant variation Percentage of guardians of last resort allocated in one day This indicator measures the timeliness of the Public Advocate in allocating a guardian to a represented person in 96% 94% 96% 95% 98% N/A
The Public Advocate’s legislative authority is contained in the Guardianship and Administration Act 1990. The Act was proclaimed to come into full operation on 20 October 1992. The Acts Amendment (Consent to Medical Treatment) Act 2008 amended the Guardianship and Administration Act 1990 on 15 February 2010. Related legislation Other legislation relating to the circumstances and needs of people with a decision-making disability include: Administrative Tribunal Act 2004 Carers Recognition Act 2004 Community Protection (Offender Reporting) Act 2004 Criminal Investigation (Identifying People) Act 2002 Criminal Investigation Act 2006 Criminal Law (Mentally Impaired Accused) Act 1996 Dangerous Sexual Offenders Act 2006 Declared Places (Mentally Impaired Accused) Act 2015 Disability Services Act 1993 Health Act 1911 Magistrates (Civil Proceedings) Act 2004 Mental Health Act 2014 Prisons Act 1981 Prohibited Behaviour Orders Act 2010 Public Trustee Act 1941 Supreme Court Act 1935 The Public Advocate also complies with legislation that relates to the management and accountability requirements of Government, including: Corruption and Crime Commission Act 2003 Electoral Act 1907 Equal Opportunity Act 1984 Financial Management Act 2006 Freedom of Information Act 1992 Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003 Public Sector Management Act 1994 State Records Act 2000 Supply Commission Act 1991 Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981 Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 APPENDICES Appendix 2 Publications All Public Advocate publications are available online at www.publicadvocate.wa.gov.au Annual reports Information sheets