The Public Advocate is an independent statutory (public) official appointed by the Governor in consultation with the Government under the Guardianship and Administration Act 1993 (SA). The Public Advocate promotes the rights and interests of people with a mental incapacity and, where appropriate, their carers.

Under the Guardianship and Administration Act 1993 (SA), the Public Advocate has direct access to the Minister for Health, the Attorney-General and the Parliament. The Office of the Public Advocate has a responsibility to act to protect people with a mental incapacity from abuse, exploitation and neglect (including self-neglect).

Under the Guardianship and Administration Act 1993 (SA) there are 8 general functions of the Public Advocate [s 21(1)]. These functions can be summarised under the following 4 headings:

The Public Advocate also has a role in dispute resolution in relation to advance care directives under the Advance Care Directives Act 2013 (SA).

Office of the Public Advocate

211 Victoria Square

Adelaide SA 5000

GPO Box 464

Adelaide SA 5001

Call 1800 066 969

Visit www.opa.sa.gov.au