What if life threw you a curveball — an accident, illness, or sudden trip overseas — and someone needed to step in and make decisions for you? That’s where a Power of Attorney (POA) steps up, acting as a safety net when life becomes unpredictable.
In Queensland, there are two main types of POA: General Power of Attorney and Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA). A General POA is handy for short-term needs — like when you’re travelling and want someone to manage your bank account. But the real long-term hero is the EPOA, which continues even if you lose the ability to make decisions for yourself due to illness or cognitive decline.
An EPOA lets you appoint someone to look after your financial, personal, and even health-related decisions — from paying your bills to speaking to your doctor. While many associate it with ageing, life experience tells us that no one is immune to the unexpected. That’s why legal and health professionals recommend every adult consider setting one up.
The process is straightforward. You’ll need to complete the Enduring Power of Attorney (Form 2), available from the Queensland Government website. You must be 18 or over, mentally capable at the time of signing, and have the form witnessed by a qualified professional — such as a lawyer, justice of the peace, or commissioner for declarations.
You can choose one person or a group of trusted individuals to act as your attorneys. You also have the flexibility to decide how and when they act — together or independently — and include specific instructions to guide their decisions.
Creating a POA isn’t just about control or caution — it’s about compassion. It’s a gift to your future self and to those who care about you. With this document in place, you’re saying, “If I ever need help, I’ve already chosen who I trust to stand by me.” And that’s not just smart — it’s deeply personal.
