The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) can appoint a supportive guardian or supportive administrator, when it finds that the person can make their own decisions, but sometimes needs support.

Their role is to support the person to make, communicate and/or give effect to decisions about:

• financial matter(s) — supportive administration or
• personal matter(s) — supportive guardianship

as specified in the VCAT order. The order may also give them authority to get information from others about the person to help the person make a decision. For example, from doctors, banks, utility providers, disability organisations or government agencies.

How to apply

Any person can apply to VCAT for a supportive guardianship or supportive administration order for an adult with disability. However:

• the application needs to propose someone for the role
• the proposed person needs to agree to take it on
• the proposed supported person needs to agree to the appointment.

VCAT will not appoint the Public Advocate, State Trustees Limited or a similar body if there is no one suitable who agrees to take on the role.

VCAT website 

What if there is an application for a guardian or administrator?

VCAT may decide a supportive guardianship or supportive administration order is a more appropriate option.

Other options

A person with decision-making capacity can appoint someone to support them in making decisions.

Appointing a person to support you in making decisions >>

Supportive attorneys >>

Medical support persons >>