In the Matter of AB

AB, a 32-year-old individual receiving treatment for chronic schizophrenia at the Adult Mental Health Unit at the Canberra Hospital, was the subject of an appeal concerning the appointment of a guardian and manager under the Guardianship and Management of Property Act 1991. The appeal was brought by AC, who had previously applied to be appointed as AB's guardian and manager but later withdrew that application. The Public Trustee and Guardian (PTG) had been appointed as AB's guardian and manager by the Tribunal on 18 April 2017, following an application by a social worker at the Adult Mental Health Unit. AC subsequently lodged an application for review of this decision, which was heard by a differently constituted Tribunal on 7 August 2017. The appeal tribunal was required to determine whether the appointment of the PTG as AB's guardian and manager should be revoked or varied.

In considering the appeal, the tribunal reviewed the evidence and submissions presented at the original hearing and the review hearing, including medical reports, statements from AB's family members, and input from the PTG. The tribunal found that the PTG was the most suitable candidate to act as AB's guardian and manager, given their expertise and experience in managing the affairs of individuals with impaired decision-making abilities. The tribunal also noted that AB's condition and the complexity of his care needs justified the appointment of a guardian and manager to facilitate his discharge from hospital and transition back into the community. Consequently, the tribunal confirmed the appointment of the PTG as AB's guardian and manager and dismissed the appeal.

The tribunal made the following orders: (1) confirming the appointment of the Public Trustee and Guardian as AB's guardian and manager, and (2) dismissing the appeal.