Legislation to improve property guardianship for children and bring more clarity and consistency in the Public Guardian and Trustee’s role is now law.
On November 27, the Attorney General Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2025 received Royal Assent. The legislation contains updates to the Public Guardian and Trustee Act by expanding and clarifying the statutory framework for when the Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT) acts as property guardian for children. These amendments aim to protect the financial and property interests of vulnerable children, particularly those in care or under child protection orders.
Key changes include:
- Ensuring property guardianship services are available to all children receiving child and family services, including those served by Indigenous authorities that request PGT involvement.
- Improving information-sharing and coordination between PGT and child welfare agencies.
- Addressing gaps in the current framework to provide greater clarity and consistency.
This legislation will come into effect by regulation of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
These reforms align with CBABC advocacy to modernize the child protection system, improve guardianship and property protections for children under family law and support Indigenous authority in child welfare.