The guardianship system in Australia is similar to the one that controlled megastar Britney Spears in the US.

After the singer's mental breakdown, her father was awarded a 'conservatorship' - full legal control over her money, her work and her life.

She was held under the arrangement for almost 14 years before finally winning her freedom last year, focusing international attention on those under guardians and trustee arrangements.

The Australian system, which has about 50,000 'under orders', is supposed to ensure that the most vulnerable people are looked after, but a Four Corners investigation shows that they can be forced into aged care or group accommodation against their will.

They're often charged high fees and if they want to escape, the Public Trustee can use the individual's own money to fight them.

Four Corners has discovered that in many cases, the system set up to protect vulnerable people is doing the opposite.


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