NSW Public Guardian
The Public Guardian exists to promote the rights and interests of people with disabilities through the practice of guardianship, advocacy and education. The Guardianship Tribunal appoints the NSW Public Guardian as guardian of last resort and the Public Guardian then acts as a substitute decision-maker for people under his guardianship. The Public Guardian is part of the NSW Department of Justice and Attorney General.

The NSW Public Guardian is Mr Graeme Smith.

Latest News
From 1 July 2009, Mr Graeme Smith, previously the Director of the Office of the Public Guardian, will become the Public Guardian. This change has been brought about by the merger of the Office of the Protective Commissioner and the NSW Public Trustee. As of 1 July, these two organisations will commence operation as the NSW Trustee and Guardian (NSW T&G). Ms Imelda Dodds, previously the Public Guardian and Protective Commissioner, has been appointed as the interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the new organisation.

The Public Guardian will report administratively to the CEO NSW T&G. In all other ways, the structure and function of the Public Guardian remains unchanged and the Public Guardian remains an independent substitute decision-maker.

Please note, this website is being updated to reflect the creation of the NSW T&G. In the meantime, references to the Office of the Protective Commissioner (OPC) or the NSW Public Trustee in this website and in our publications should be taken to refer to the NSW Trustee and Guardian. Additionally please note that references to the NSW Attorney General's Department should be taken to refer to the NSW Department of Justice and Attorney General.

New Publication

Have you been appointed by the Guardianship Tribunal as a private guardian? Are you acting as an enduring guardian? Get your free information guide for guardians Now You’re the Guardian – what every good guardian needs to know!

Our new 74 page book for people appointed as guardians includes handy tips and info on:

• the law and what it means
• understanding your guadianship order
• practical ideas and strategies
• guardianship functions, including medical and dental consent
• working with advocates and financial managers
• making complaints
• handy resources
• useful contacts
• glossary of commonly used terms