Barton and Gibb and Anor (SSAT Appeal)

This matter concerned an appeal to the Supreme Court of Tasmania from a decision of the Guardianship and Administration Board (now the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal). The appeal was brought by Barton and Gibb, who were the applicants in the original proceedings before the Board. The dispute related to the Board's decision concerning the administration of the financial affairs of a protected person.

The primary legal issue before the Supreme Court was whether the Guardianship and Administration Board had erred in law in its determination regarding the appointment of an administrator for the protected person. Specifically, the Court was required to consider whether the Board had correctly applied the relevant provisions of the *Guardianship and Administration Act 1995* (Tas) in reaching its decision.

Judge Coates dismissed the appeal, finding no error of law in the Board's decision. The Court reasoned that the Board had properly considered the evidence before it and had applied the statutory criteria for appointing an administrator. The principles applied centred on the Board's statutory mandate to act in the best interests of the protected person and to make decisions based on the evidence presented. The Court found that the Board had discharged its duties appropriately.