By eziFunerals — Australia’s leading funeral planning authority

Find Funeral Services Across Australia

When you’re arranging a funeral, you deserve clarity, fairness and full control. As Australia’s independent comparison and planning platform, eziFunerals helps families understand the law, compare transparent quotes, and exercise their rights with confidence.

Your Core Protections: Australian Consumer Law (ACL)

All funeral businesses must comply with the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). In practice, that means providers must not mislead you, must avoid unfair contract terms, and must not take advantage of your vulnerability at a difficult time. See the ACCC’s guidance for funeral services: accc.gov.au/consumers/specific-products-and-activities/funeral-services.

You also have automatic consumer guarantees when you purchase services in Australia (due care and skill, services fit for purpose, delivered within a reasonable time):accc.gov.au/consumers/buying-products-and-services/consumer-rights-and-guarantees.

For systemic issues in the sector, the ACCC’s Funeral Services Sector Report sets expectations around quotes, contracts and invoices: accc.gov.au/system/files/Funeral services sector report (PDF).

State Rules That Boost Price Transparency

Several states add funeral-specific pricing rules on top of the ACL. These make it easier to compare like-for-like and avoid surprise fees.

New South Wales (NSW)

Queensland (QLD)

Western Australia (WA)

Quotes & Contracts: What You’re Entitled to See

Before you commit, insist on a written, itemised quote that lists:

  • Professional/service fees (arranging, transfer, mortuary care, after-hours calls)
  • Cemetery/crematorium charges
  • Coffin/casket (model and price)
  • Celebrant/clergy, venue, vehicles
  • Third-party disbursements (flowers, death certificate, notices)
  • GST and unavoidable fees + the total price

These transparency duties are reinforced by the state rules above and by the ACL’s prohibition on misleading conduct (ACCC guidance).

Paying for a Funeral: Pre-Paid Contracts, Bonds & Assistance

Practical tip from eziFunerals: For pre-paid contracts, confirm in writing exactly what’s covered, how transfers work if you move or the business changes hands, and what happens to any surplus/shortfall.

5) If Something Goes Wrong

  1. Complain to the provider in writing (keep quotes, invoices, emails, call notes).
  2. Escalate to your state agency:
  3. For systemic misconduct, notify the ACCC: accc.gov.au/about-us/contact-us-or-report-an-issue.

How we help: eziFunerals aligns our comparison flow with these rules so you can spot missing disclosures fast and choose a provider that respects the law. Start here: Compare funeral costs.

FAQs – Funeral Law & Your Rights

Do I have to hold a full funeral service?

No. There is no legal requirement to hold a ceremony; the requirement is for burial or cremation. NSW’s guidance explains options, including basic/low-cost arrangements:nsw.gov.au/…/how-much-funerals-cost.

Can I demand an itemised quote?

Yes. Under the ACL you must not be misled about total cost, and states like Queensland and Western Australia require clear, itemised price display and provision on websites and in-store. QLD regulation (PDF) • WA code summary.

What should be on a compliant quote?

Professional fees, coffin/casket model and price, cemetery/crematorium charges, celebrant/venue, third-party disbursements, GST and the total price. See ACCC guidance:accc.gov.au/…/funeral-services.

Are pre-paid funerals or funeral bonds regulated?

Yes, but products and rules differ by state and provider. Review state guidance and the contract carefully. NSW provides practical options, including where there are no funds:nsw.gov.au/…/ways-to-pay-for-a-funeral.

Where can I get help if a provider misleads me?

Escalate to your state consumer agency and, if needed, the ACCC. Keep all quotes, contracts and receipts as evidence: accc.gov.au/about-us/contact-us-or-report-an-issue.

About eziFunerals: We’re Australia’s go-to authority for funeral planning and price transparency. Our comparison tools reflect the latest state pricing codes and the ACL, so families can plan with clarity and confidence. Start your comparison.

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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 and public health, Peter has become one of the country’s leading voices on funeral transparency, consumer rights, and ethical funeral practices. 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." 🕊 eziFunerals was founded by Peter in 2011, as an independent funeral comparison and planning platform that allows consumers to: • Compare local funeral directors and transparent quotes, • Understand real funeral costs across Australia, and • Connect with trusted, independent funeral homes that uphold the Fair Funeral Promise. As Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority, eziFunerals is recognised by media, consumers, and funeral professionals for its leadership in price transparency and consumer protection. “We believe every family deserves a fair, dignified, and affordable farewell — without hidden fees or sales pressure.” 📘 Peter is the author of What Kind of Funeral: A Self-Help Guide to Planning a Meaningful Funeral, a practical guide that has helped thousands of Australians understand their options and avoid unnecessary costs. He regularly contributes articles and commentary on: • Funeral cost transparency and industry reform, • Prepaid funerals and consumer protection, • Emerging trends in eco-friendly and digital memorials, and • The role of AI and technology in end-of-life planning. 🎙 Peter and eziFunerals have been featured in major Australian media outlets including ABC News. His insights continue to shape the national conversation on funeral costs, consumer rights, and ethical practices in the funeral industry. ⚖️ 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.