COTA SA welcomes the opportunity to provide a submission on the Draft Guardianship and Administration (Tribunal Proceedings) Amendment Bill 2025.

COTA SA is committed to ensuring older South Australians have the opportunity, capacity and support to navigate the changes of ageing in their place of choice, with dignity, security and purpose.

Why this matters to older South Australians

Older people are prominent users of our hospital system.

Australians aged 65 and over account for a significant share of hospital admissions and often face complex decisions about care, support and living arrangements on discharge.

Ensuring the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) can make timely guardianship and administration orders is critical for the individuals involved, and also for the hospital system.

At the same time, these processes must include robust safeguards to uphold older people’s rights and protect against unintended harm or elder abuse.

COTA SA appreciates the focus of these legislative amendments on enabling more timely decisions that support hospital flow and reduce prolonged stays. However, we emphasise the importance of maintaining strong safeguards to protect the rights and interests of older South Australians.