What types of power of attorney are available in Australia, and which one do you need?

In New South Wales, a general power of attorney is used for temporary financial matters, such as selling a house in New South Wales whilst you are overseas, but it completely expires if you lose capacity. To protect you long-term, an enduring power of attorney endures beyond the loss of capacity and allows your attorney to manage your financial affairs on an ongoing basis. In Queensland, a general power of attorney allows the completion of short-term financial tasks, but ends if you lose capacity. An enduring power of attorney in Queensland allows the person you have appointed to make financial and health decisions on your behalf in the event that you are unable to do so. You get to decide when the power starts, whether it's immediately or at a later stage, such as when you lose capacity.