Public Advocate
The Office of the Public Advocate was set up to promote and protect the rights of people with mental incapacity in South Australia.
The Public Advocate is an independent statutory official accountable to the South Australian Parliament.
The Office of the Public Advocate works closely with, but is completely separate from, the Guardianship Board.
Responsibilities
The Office of the Public Advocate has several main legislative responsibilities:
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Guardian of Last Resort
Where a guardian is needed and there is no other appropriate person appointed, the Guardianship Board can appoint the Public Advocate. This means the Public Advocate can then make certain life decisions for the person with a mental incapacity. -
Investigation
The Office of the Public Advocate can investigate the circumstances of a person who is believed to have a mental incapacity and is at risk in some way. The Office may be also requested to investigate certain matters coming before the Guardianship Board. - Education
The Office of the Public Advocate provides information and advice about existing or potential issues affecting a person with mental incapacity.
For more information visit www.opa.sa.gov.au.
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