skip to content

Refine results

Search by

Search by Algolia
     

    SACAT's role in Guardianship and Administration

    The South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal is required, as part of its jurisdiction under the Guardianship and Administration Act 1993 (SA), to:

    • hear applications for the appointment of guardians and administrators for people who have a mental incapacity
    • hear applications under the Mental Health Act 2009 (SA) for compulsory treatment and ongoing detention of people said to have a mental illness
    • provide substitute medical and dental consent where no other authorised person is available to make a decision for a mentally incapacitated person, see When someone can't consent
    • hear appeals against psychiatric detention by psychiatrists under the Mental Health Act 2009 (SA)
    • review the way in which guardians and administrators carry out their important responsibilities
    • exercise a supervisory jurisdiction over advance care directives.

    SACAT must give reasonable notice of the proceedings before it to:

    • the applicant
    • the person to whom the proceedings relate
    • the Public Advocate
    • other people with a proper interest [s 66(1)].

    SACAT is not obliged to give notice if:

    • a person's whereabouts are unknown, or
    • the matter requires urgent action.

    SACAT is not obliged to give notice to other people with a proper interest if the application before SACAT relates to a hospital inpatient and SACAT is satisfied that appropriate circumstances exist in the particular case [s 66(2)]. If appropriate circumstances exist, SACAT may dispense with or shorten notice requirements in relation to the applicant, the person to whom the proceedings relate, or the Public Advocate [see s 66(3)].

      SACAT's role in Guardianship and Administration  :  Last Revised: Tue Jul 14th 2026
      The content of the Law Handbook is made available as a public service for information purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal advice. See Disclaimer for details. For free and confidential legal advice in South Australia call 1300 366 424.

      We embrace diversity and welcome all people, irrespective of culture, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity.


      South Australia flag     Aboriginal icon     Torres Straight icon     LGBT icon     Disability icon   Disability icon

      Legal Services acknowledges Aboriginal people as the Traditional Owners and ongoing occupants of the lands and waters in South Australia and we respect their spiritual, cultural and heritage beliefs. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community and pay our deep respect to Elders past and present.

             Connect with us

      • Facebook icon
      • Twitter icon
      • YouTube
      • LinkedIn