A Property Administrator is a person appointed by a Family Court Judge to manage the property of the subject person when the subject person's property is less than $25,000 and their income or benefit is less than $40,000 per year. The income threshold increases each year on 1 April and will increase again on 1 April 2026.

The appointment is usually for up to three years. Only one person can be appointed a Property Administrator.

Responsibilities

A Property Administrator makes decisions for the subject person regarding their property, such as bank accounts. They are required to develop and implement a financial management plan, which includes creating a budget, ensuring the subject person receives all entitlements, and maintaining accurate records.

Appointment

A property administrator is appointed when the subject person's property is worth less than $25,000 or their annual income or benefit is less than $40,000. If the property or income is higher, an applicant would apply to be appointed as a property manager.

Reporting

Property administrators have no reporting responsibilities under the PPPR Act but they must still keep good records in case they are checked when if they were to apply for review. 

Specific Responsibilities

A property administrator appointed under the Act has a number of responsibilities, including:

Managing the subject person's property

The property administrator is responsible for managing the property of someone who is unable to make decisions for themselves. This includes making decisions about the subject person's income and government benefits. 

Developing a financial management plan

The property administrator must develop a plan to ensure the subject person's finances are administered responsibly and effectively. This includes creating a budget and ensuring the subject person receives all their entitlements. 

Consulting with the subject person

The property administrator must engage in supported decision-making with the subject person whenever possible. They should also encourage the subject person to manage their own property affairs. 

Supporting the subject person's interests

The Property Administrator must also act in the subject person's best interests and support them to use any skills they have to manage their own property.