Funeral price transparency under the spotlight

Protecting Queenslanders financially when they are organising a funeral is at the forefront of the Palaszczuk Government’s new options paper set to protect vulnerable Queensland consumers.

Attorney General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said organising a funeral was challenging enough. That is why the Palaszczuk Government’s option paper will look at price transparency in the funeral industry looking at issues such as providing up-front costs and giving consumers the ability to compare funeral prices.

“Organising a funeral is an extremely emotional process, sometimes with added time pressures if the death of a loved one was unexpected,” Minister Fentiman.

“A person’s decision-making ability is often considerably impacted by their vulnerable state, time constraints and cultural expectations.”

“Funeral homes can offer a bundle of goods and services without clearly stating which of these are required and which are optional. The absence of easily accessible pricing information can make it difficult for consumers to make the best choice for their needs.”

The Queensland Government has developed an options paper outlining potential approaches to help address these issues.

Fair Trading Commissioner Victoria Thomson said upfront price transparency would provide consumers with the pricing information they need to compare like-with-like.

“The ability for people to access and compare costs will make it easier for grieving families to consider their options,” Ms Thomson said.

“I urge people from all parts of the industry—from funeral providers to consumers and advocacy groups—to read the options paper and have their say on the way forward.”

The consultation will close on 7 October 2021.

For more information on the consultation and to access the options paper, visit https://www.qld.gov.au/law/laws-regulated-industries-and-accountability/queensland-laws-and-regulations/fair-trading-services-programs-and-resources/consultation-regulatory-reform/funeral-price-transparency-consultation

To lodge a complaint about the funeral industry, visit www.qld.gov.au/fairtrading or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

ENDS

Media contact:

Penni Pappas (FENTIMAN) – 0438 747 540

Office of Fair Trading – (07) 8378 8614

All other enquiries: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

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