Funeral industry practices have been under scrutiny over the past few years, including an extensive investigation and campaigning from CHOICE and the ACCC. Pricing fairness and transparency have been key issues, especially as they often impact people when they are at their most vulnerable.
While the Australian Consumer Law applies nationally, specific rules around funeral pricing differ for each state and territory. As the laws are continually evolving, I’ve made this post a wiki so we can update it over time.
Here’s a summary as of November 2022:
Australian Capital Territory
No specific requirements, guidance or stipulations around funeral pricing. You can still contact ACT Fair Trading (Access Canberra) about funeral issues falling under the Australian Consumer Law.
New South Wales
A legislated Funeral Information Standard sets out funeral pricing and information requirements.
NSW Fair Trading advises:
In NSW, funeral directors are required to display certain funeral information, including the itemised cost of a range of goods and services, at their place of business and on their website. Funeral directors are also required to show their least expensive funeral package.
Find more consumer advice here and more information about what is required in the Funeral Information Standard.
Northern Territory:
No specific requirements, guidance or stipulations around funeral pricing. You can still contact Northern Territory Consumer Affairs about funeral issues falling under the Australian Consumer Law.
Queensland:
The legislated Fair Trading (Funeral Pricing) Regulation 2022 sets out funeral pricing and information requirements.
QLD Fair Trading advises:
The Fair Trading (Funeral Pricing) Regulation 2022 requires you to display an itemised price list on your business website and in-store. You will also need to display the price of your least expensive package for consumers wanting a simple funeral.
Find out more detailed information about mandatory funeral pricing requirements in QLD here. Fair Trading QLD also offers general consumer advice for funerals.
South Australia
No specific requirements, guidance or stipulations around funeral pricing. Some legislation around pre-paid funeral contracts. You can still contact SA Fair Trading about funeral issues falling under the Australian Consumer Law.
Tasmania:
No specific requirements, guidance or stipulations around funeral pricing. Some legislation around pre-paid funeral contracts. You can still contact Consumer Building and Occupational Services about funeral issues falling under the Australian Consumer Law.
Victoria
The legislated Funerals Act 2006 sets out funeral pricing and information requirements.
Consumer Affairs Victoria advises:
Price lists must be clear, legible and detail all the goods and services you supply. The price list must reflect the maximum price you charge for funeral goods and services.
It must also include:
- a description and total price of your goods and services, including any packages
- a list of any service fees you may charge
- a description and total price of your basic funeral service
the full range, description and price of all available coffins, or advice that a separate coffin price list is available.
The legislation also requires funeral services to offer a basic funeral service.
Find out more details advice on funeral pricing regulations in Victoria.
Western Australia:
The Funeral Pricing Code (PDF) sets out funeral pricing and information requirements.
Consumer Protection WA advises funeral services must:
- prominently display ‘funeral information’ for goods and services you supply, on your website and at your place of business - including the price of a basic funeral package;
- provide this information to consumers if they request it, within two business days; and
- provide itemised fees for all goods and services supplied under a funeral agreement, including the total cost of the funeral, before entering into the agreement.
See more detailed information on WA’s Funeral Pricing Code.
While the pricing requirements (where available) are welcome improvements for consumers, the previous CHOICE investigation revealed some operators flouting the law indicating enforcement is needed. We’re still seeing major incidents in the funeral industry causing serious detriment and involving the targeting of vulnerable people and issues around confusing or expensive pre-paid plans or insurance.
It all indicates extra care is needed for funeral planning. If you have an experience you’d like to share with the Community, please add it below.
