Learn about supported and substitute decision-making, how they differ, and the role of OPG in protecting people’s rights, wishes and dignity.
Whether it’s choosing where to live, what medical treatment to get, or how to spend your time, making decisions is a fundamental part of life. Everyone has the right to make their own decisions, but sometimes people need a little extra help along the way.
What is supported decision-making?
Supported decision-making is all about empowering individuals to take control of their choices with the right support. It allows a person to make their own decisions with help from trusted people, such as family, friends, carers, or professionals.
Support might involve:
- explaining options in a way that’s easy to understand
- helping to weigh up the pros and cons of a decision
- assisting with communication, such as using visual aids or interpreters.
This approach is preferred because it respects each person’s human rights and their ability to make their own choices.
What is substitute decision-making?
Substitute decision-making is when someone else steps in to make decisions for another person. This can happen if a person loses the ability to make decisions on their own, even with support.
Substitute decision-makers are legally appointed and include:
- a guardian or administrator appointed by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT)
- an attorney appointed under an Enduring Power of Attorney
- a Statutory Health Attorney.
While substitute decision-making can be necessary in some situations, it’s an extremely restrictive option and should only be used as a last resort.
Where does the Office of the Public Guardian fit?
When QCAT appoints the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) to make personal decisions for an adult, we act as a substitute decision-maker. This can happen if:
- the person doesn’t have decision-making capacity
- QCAT believe there’s no-one else suitable to be their guardian at the time
- other approaches, such as supported decision-making or informal arrangements, aren’t appropriate.
Even though we act as a substitute decision-maker, we centre the person’s views, wishes and preferences in every decision we make. This means that we involve them as much as possible and follow a structured framework to ensure decisions are made in the least restrictive way.
How you can help
Whether you’re an appointed guardian, part of someone’s support network or an informal decision-maker, supporting someone to make their own decisions is one of the most empowering things you can do.
Here are some tips to help:
- Listen: take the time to understand their views, wishes and preferences.
- Simplify information: explain options clearly and in a way they can understand.
- Be patient: allow them time to process information and make decisions.
- Respect their choices: honour their right to decide, even if you don’t agree or it’s not what you’d choose.
Find out more
Want to learn more about supported decision-making? Check out our resources and information or watch one of our recent webinars.
Want to find out how we make decisions at OPG? Read our structured decision-making framework overview and information about how we make decisions.