Understanding the NT Guardianship of Adults Act

The Guardianship Act supports people with impaired decision-making capacity who need help to make decisions about their personal or financial matters.

It covers people with cognitive impairment from any cause, including mental illness, dementia, intellectual disability or acquired brain injury.

The Guardianship Act recognises an adult’s overall wellbeing, human rights and basic freedoms, and aligns the Northern Territory with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The Guardianship Act:

  • Established an independent Office of the Public Guardian and an independent statutory officer as the Public Guardian

  • Introduced comprehensive guardianship principles

  • Transferred jurisdiction from the Local Court to the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT).