If a person is over 18 years old and is unable to make a particular decision for themselves, they may need help from someone else.
If there is no Enduring Power of Attorney, Advance Care Directive, or Guardianship Order in place, appointing a decision-maker, close family and friends may be able to make some decisions.
Being a decision-maker in this way is called an “informal arrangement”.
Types of decisions
Under informal arrangements, a family member, carer, or close friend could make decisions about:
- community support
- accommodation
- welfare services
- ACAT assessments
- banking or paying bills
- making Centrelink arrangements
- acting as a nominee for an NDIS plan
- other personal affairs.
Health decisions are made by a Person Responsible under the Consent Act.
When to apply to SACAT
An application to the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) may be necessary if:
- There is no family member, carer, or close friend, who is willing and able to assist with decision-making.
- The person does not agree with the decisions being made for them.
- There is conflict between the informal decision-makers.
- There are legal and financial decisions to be made where formal authority is required.