- Cook Labor Government makes Funeral Pricing Code of Practice permanent
- Clear, upfront, and itemised funeral pricing will protect grieving families
- Strong support from consumers and funeral directors
The Cook Labor Government has moved to ensure ongoing protection for grieving Western Australians, with the permanent introduction of a pricing code of practice for the funeral industry.
The decision to make the Funeral Pricing Code of Practice regulations permanent follows recent consultation, including a public survey, which found strong support among consumers and funeral directors for the Code.
It was introduced in 2023 to improve transparency and prevent questionable sales practices in the industry.
It requires funeral directors to clearly display prices and provide a full breakdown of costs before a funeral is held, helping families make informed decisions at a difficult time and preventing practices that led to confusion, pressure selling, and unexpected charges.
Stakeholders reported that the Code has improved clarity, reduced misunderstandings, and helped ensure fairer treatment of bereaved families.
Consumers must be provided with upfront pricing information, including itemised costs, and can compare services without needing to meet a funeral company representative.
The Code also prevents the use of misleading bundled packages that previously disguised optional items as mandatory.
The Funeral Pricing Code Consultation Summary Report is on the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety's Consumer Protection website, where further information for consumers and businesses about funeral pricing obligations can also be found: www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au/selling-funerals
The mandatory Prepaid Funerals Code of Practice, in effect since 1 March 2021, continues to provide safeguards and transparency for prepaid funeral contracts.
Comments attributed to Commerce Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience, and it is essential people are protected financially when they are at their most vulnerable.
"The consultation clearly showed that consumers and funeral directors value the transparency and certainty the Code provides.
"Most funeral operators do the right thing, but the Code prevents the small number of businesses that previously used high‑pressure or misleading sales tactics from taking advantage of grieving families.
"With the Code continuing, Western Australians can easily compare prices, understand exactly what they are paying for, and receive a full breakdown of costs before a funeral takes place."
