Research and Publications
Dr Craig Dent’s research focuses on supported decision-making, guardianship and administration, disability rights, public administration and the relationship between law, policy and institutional design. His work examines how reform is translated into practice and what institutional change is required if rights, autonomy and person-centred decision-making are to be realised.
Research contribution
Craig’s principal contribution is the development and examination of supportive administration: a formal approach to financial administration intended to support a person to make and implement their own decisions rather than transferring decision-making authority to a substitute decision-maker.
His doctoral research identified a significant gap between the aspirations of Victoria’s Guardianship and Administration Act 2019 and its implementation. An analysis of 109 published VCAT decisions made during the study period found no appointments of a supportive administrator. The research identified legislative barriers, including the capacity with support requirement in section 87 and the restriction concerning significant financial transactions in section 93, together with institutional practices that continue to favour substituted decision-making.
The broader argument is that legislative reform alone cannot deliver supported decision-making. Real change also requires appropriate institutional structures, operational guidance, capability, cultural change, accountability and measures that test whether people are experiencing greater rights, independence and participation.
Doctoral research
Beyond Substitute Decision-Making: An Examination of the Potential for Supportive Administration in Victoria, Australia
Institution: Swinburne University of Technology
Degree conferred: 2026
Approach: Qualitative socio-legal research informed by social constructivism and analysis of VCAT written reasons.
Publications and Citations
A complete, current, and consolidated list of publications, citations, and research outputs is maintained on the following platforms:
- Google Scholar – https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=TYdzzSQAAAAJ
- ORCID record – https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8200-1941
- ResearchGate – https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Craig_Dent?ev=hdr_xprf
These profiles provide the most accurate and up-to-date record of authored and co-authored works, citation metrics, and publication history.
Research Areas
Published and ongoing research addresses themes including:
- Supported decision-making and legal capacity
- Guardianship and administration reform
- Disability rights and human rights-based legal frameworks
- Comparative approaches to substitute and supported decision-making
- Law, policy, and administrative systems affecting people with disability
- Public Administration
- Administrative Law
Attribution and Authorship
Publications listed on the linked Google Scholar and ORCID profiles are attributed to Craig Dent (scholar).
These profiles are used to consolidate authorship, citations, and research outputs across journals, edited volumes, reports, and policy-relevant publications.
Use of This Page
This page is provided for:
- Research attribution
- Citation verification
- Identity clarification
- Linking to authoritative scholarly records
It does not constitute a curriculum vitae, professional profile, or offer of services.
If you would like to contact me, please email drcraigdent at gmail dot com