New powers of attorney laws, which come into effect today, will provide more protection and support for Victorians who appoint someone they trust to look after their personal and financial affairs. Jaclyn Symes, Member for Northern Victoria, today encouraged local residents to take control of their future by making a power of attorney. A power of attorney provides clarity and support for a person (the principal) who appoints someone else (an attorney) to look after some or all aspects of their personal and financial affairs. The Powers of Attorney Act 2014 combines the enduring power of attorney (financial) and the enduring power of guardianship into a single enduring power of attorney for financial and personal matters. A principal will now only need to make one enduring power of attorney to allow a trusted person to manage both their financial and personal affairs. In a legislative first for Victoria and Australia, the new Act has created the role of Supportive Attorney, which can support the principal to make and give effect to their own decisions. It also provides improved protections and safeguards against abuse. It has created a new offence for dishonestly obtaining or using an enduring power of attorney or supportive attorney appointment, punishable by up to five years imprisonment. The new laws recognise a persons right to make their own decisions whenever possible, in relation to enduring powers of attorney and supportive attorney appointments. It also provides better guidance for assessing a persons capacity to make decisions. As part of the changes there are new and improved forms, to simplify the process for making enduring powers of attorney and supportive attorney appointments. These forms and information about the changes are available at www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au Quotes attributable to Jaclyn Symes, Member for Northern Victoria Appointing a power of attorney is a good way to ensure that someone you trust can make important financial and personal decisions on your behalf, if you become ill or need more support making decisions. Victorias new Powers of Attorney Act 2014 will improve the confidence Victorians have when making and using an enduring power of attorney. It will also provide better safeguards and remedies against abuse. The introduction of Supportive Attorney appointments will allow greater autonomy and independence for many people with disabilities, enabling them to take care of their own needs with the right support.