Supported decision-making involves helping individuals with impaired decision-making abilities by enhancing their skills, and knowledge, alongside those of their family and supporters.

Everyone has the right to participate in decisions affecting their lives, as recognised by the Royal Commission into Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disabilities and the Aged Care Royal Commission.

Supported decision-making projects at OPA

The Office of the Public Advocate has undertaken several projects to trial supported decision-making and better incorporate it into regular practice.

Learn more about the history of supported decision-making projects at OPA (PDF, 167.6 KB).

How did we get here?

Over the last 10 years there has been an increased focus on alternatives to formal substitute decision-making in Australia.

In 2014, the Australian Law Reform Commission recommended changes to Australian laws so that they comply with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

This includes recognising all adults, including those with a cognitive disability, have an equal right to make decisions, and adding supported decision-making as an alternative to substitute decision-making.

Currently, the Public Advocate is appointed by the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal when a person who needs to make an important decision for themselves is found to have a ‘mental incapacity’.

However, effective decision support can enhance a person's decision-making capacity by helping them understand information and evaluate options and consequences.