Australian funeral news | 28 September 2026 – What does a direct cremation price actually include? That question is at the centre of this week’s funeral news. New UK research highlights the limits of advertised starting prices, while Australians paying funeral expenses through Centrepay face an approaching deadline.

Find Funeral Services Across Australia

Direct cremation: compare the complete price

Research published by the UK’s National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors on 17 September found that average headline direct cremation prices rose by 8.3% across 12 national providers, compared with 1.6% among the independent funeral directors surveyed. National providers still had a lower average price in that comparison.

These are UK figures, not Australian prices. They do, however, raise a useful question for families here: are two advertised prices covering the same service?

Before choosing a direct cremation provider, ask for a written quote that explains:

  • Whether collection and the crematorium fee are included
  • Whether required paperwork and a suitable cremation container are included
  • How the ashes will be returned
  • Which suburbs the price covers
  • What after-hours or out-of-area collection would cost

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has previously raised concerns about funeral prices that leave unavoidable charges out of the advertised figure.

Read our guide to direct cremation in Australia, then request itemised local quotes to compare the total price for your circumstances.

Centrepay funeral deductions end on 1 November

This is an approaching deadline, not a newly announced rule. Services Australia says existing Centrepay deductions for funeral expenses—including funeral plans, bonds, prepaid funerals and actual funeral costs—will stop from 1 November 2026.

If you currently pay a funeral provider this way, check your deduction and arrange another payment method before it stops. Ask the provider to confirm any remaining balance and payment terms in writing.

For funeral directors: identify affected customers now and explain their payment options clearly.

Google releases a global spam update

Google announced a global spam update on 24 September. Google has not said that any particular funeral website was affected.

For families searching online, the sensible next step remains the same: confirm that a provider serves your area and ask for a written, itemised quote. For funeral directors, make service areas, package inclusions and possible extra charges easy to find on your website.

What should families do next?

Use the eziFunerals Funeral Cost Calculator for an indicative estimate. When you’re ready to choose, compare written quotes from independent funeral directors. Check the complete price, what it covers and any charges that depend on your location or circumstances.

eziFunerals is an independent funeral comparison directory. Calculator estimates and overseas research are guides; your chosen provider’s written quote sets out the price for your arrangements.

Explore More Funeral Planning Guides

Peter

Peter Erceg is the Founder and Owner of eziFunerals — Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority. With more than 40 years of experience in government, he has more than 15 years of experience in the funeral industry and is the author of What Kind of Funeral. Through eziFunerals, Peter has built a national platform that empowers Australian families to make informed end-of-life decisions — free from pressure, commissions, and confusion. His goal is simple: "to help every Australian plan smarter, save money, and choose funeral services with confidence." ⚖️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by Peter Erceg are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of eziFunerals or its members. The information provided on this site is general in nature and should not be taken as personal, legal, or financial advice. Consumers are encouraged to conduct their own research and compare funeral services that best meet their needs and circumstances.