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    What to expect if we make decisions for you

    How can we help you?

    If you’re an adult with impaired decision-making ability, we can help you to make personal and/or health care decisions for you. This will happen if:

    When we make decisions for you, we follow a framework (PDF, 660.1 KB) that respects your views, wishes and preferences.

    We don’t make financial or property decisions for others. For this, you’ll need to contact Queensland Public Trustee.

    What decisions can we make as your guardian?

    When QCAT appoints us as your guardian, they issue a written guardianship order. This order outlines the specific personal decisions we're authorised to make, such as:

    • Accommodation: deciding where you will live, including whether you need to move into supported accommodation or aged care
    • Health care: making decisions about medical treatment, including consenting to or refusing medical procedures, surgeries or other health interventions
    • Service provision: choosing the types of services you will receive, such as disability support, in-home care or community services
    • Contact and relationships: deciding who you can or cannot have contact with, including family members, friends, or other individuals, if it's necessary to protect your wellbeing
    • Restrictive practices and positive behaviour support plans: making decisions regarding the use of restrictive practices, particularly in cases where behaviours of concern are exhibited that may pose a risk to yourself or others
    • Legal matters (personal): making decisions about legal issues that are not related to financial or property matters, such as applying for a protection order.

    What decisions can’t we make?

    Guardians cannot make financial or property-related decisions on your behalf. These decisions are managed by an administrator appointed by QCAT.

    Additionally, guardians cannot make certain personal decisions, such as:

    • Making or revoking a will
    • Voting in elections
    • Consenting to marriage or divorce
    • Making decisions about adoption or surrogacy.

    For these matters, you retain your rights unless authorised by law.

    How do we make decisions?

    When we make decisions for you, we're required to follow the General principles and Health care principles outlined in the Guardianship and Administration Act 2000 and our Structured Decision-Making Framework. These principles ensure that:

    • Your human rights are respected
    • Your views, wishes, and preferences are considered as much as possible
    • You are involved in the decision-making process to the greatest extent possible
    • Decisions are made to support your safety, wellbeing and independence.

    If your preferences are unknown, we must consider your past views, values, and life experiences to make decisions that align with what you would likely have wanted.

    How long do we take to make decisions?

    There’s no set timeframe for making decisions on your behalf.

    We aim to make decisions as quickly as possible, but the time it takes depends on how complex the situation is and whether we need additional information to make an informed decision.

    Key points to know:

    • We may need to explore different options, gather information and consult with others involved in your care or support
    • If there’s disagreement or conflict between family members or others involved, it may take longer to reach a decision
    • The timeframe may also be affected if we're waiting on critical information from service providers, medical professionals or other parties.

    Urgent matters:

    • If the situation is urgent, let us know immediately
    • You or someone close to you should also tell us about any risks to your safety or wellbeing if there’s a delay.

    Can we enforce the decisions we make?

    No, we do not have the power to enforce the decisions we make on your behalf.

    For example, if we decide that you should attend a particular medical appointment or therapy session for your health and wellbeing, but you refuse to go, we cannot force you to attend.

    Your family, friends, and service providers play a key role in supporting and encouraging you to follow through with decisions. Their involvement helps ensure the decision is implemented in a way that respects your dignity and minimises distress.

    What if you disagree with a decision?

    If you disagree with a decision we make, you have the right to raise your concerns. You can:

    • Speak with us directly: contact the guardian to discuss your concerns and seek clarification
    • Lodge a formal complaint: if your concerns are not resolved, you can submit a formal complaint to us. Complaints can be made online, in writing or by phone
    • Apply to QCAT: if you believe the decision or the appointment of the guardian should be reviewed, you can apply to QCAT for an independent review.

    We're committed to resolving complaints fairly, transparently and in a timely manner.

    Where can I find more support?

    If you have questions or need more information, you can contact:

    These organisations can provide guidance on guardianship, your rights and how decisions are made.

    More information

    Last updated: 30 September 2025