Lost Money, Found Insights: A Case Study of Unclaimed Money Management in Queensland

Governments across Australia collectively hold billions of dollars in unclaimed or forgotten money yet relatively little of it is ever claimed. This thesis examines how the laws and administrative practices affect an owner's ability to recover their funds. Using Queensland as a case study, the legal framework, historical foundations and day-to-day operation of the State's unclaimed money scheme are analysed. The research identifies Queensland's strengths in safeguarding owners' interests but also shows that the scheme places responsibility on individuals to locate and claim their money. These findings provide insights into how statutory custodianship influences owner outcomes and inform public policy.