The appointment of a guardian or administrator or their reassessment or removal is the jurisdiction of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). These appointments can be made when a person is unable, due to a disability such as dementia, to make decisions for themselves.

A guardian is given responsibilities for decisions affecting lifestyle, while an administrator has power to make decisions about financial and legal matters. These responsibilities may be limited by the tribunal as required. For example, a guardian may be restricted to dealing with accommodation only and an administrator’s powers may exclude selling property.