The Queensland Government’s initial response to the Queensland Law Reform Commission’s Report: A Review of Queensland’s Guardianship Laws
The Queensland Law Reform Commission’s Report
In late 2010, the Queensland Law Reform Commission completed its five year review of Queensland’s guardianship legislation by releasing its four volume report: A Review of Queensland’s Guardianship Laws. The report is the final stage of a two stage process.
This was an important review and the first comprehensive review of the guardianship laws since they commenced.
The Commission consulted widely and extensively in developing its final report. More than 500 written submissions were received as part of the review.
The report makes 317 recommendations for legislative and administrative improvements across a broad range of areas in guardianship.
A full copy of the report can be accessed through Queensland Government initial response to the Queensland Law Reform Commission’s Report: A review of Queensland’s Guardianship Laws
Government response to the report
Given the length and complexity of the report, the Government has carefully considered the report and will implement the report in two phases.
Phase 1 will occur from October 2011 to mid 2012.
Phase 1 will focus on changes that improve the existing system, technical amendments or changes to help clarify the law in this area. Most changes are legislative, with some administrative improvements. These will achieve short-term improvements in the guardianship system. During this period further consultation on the proposed legislative amendments will occur.
The Government also intends to seek the Parliament’s approval to refer certain matters to an appropriate Parliamentary Committee for consideration and report. These matters mostly relate to significant health care matters such as end of life decisions.
Phase 2 will occur from late 2011 to late 2012.
Phase 2 will look at the remaining recommendations. The Government will further consider and discuss these recommendations with relevant stakeholders before developing a final response.