By eziFunerals – Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority

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When a loved one dies, emotions can be overwhelming — and decisions must be made quickly. In this difficult moment, Australian families deserve fair treatment, honest information, and real choice.

At eziFunerals, we believe every person has rights when arranging a funeral — rights that protect families from unfair practices, ensure dignity, and promote transparency in one of life’s most sensitive services.

That’s why we’ve developed The Funeral Bill of Rights: a simple, practical guide to help every Australian family understand their entitlements under the law and our shared social values.

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💬 1. Your Right to Clear, Honest Information

You have the right to receive accurate, transparent and complete information before making any funeral arrangements.

Funeral providers must clearly state:

  • All service inclusions and exclusions
  • Any optional extras and their costs
  • Whether third-party fees (e.g., crematoria, cemeteries) are included
  • Total price before you agree or sign anything

Under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), misleading or deceptive conduct is illegal.

🔗 ACCC – Funeral Services

💰 2. Your Right to a Written, Itemised Quote

You have the right to a written quote that lists each item separately, including GST and all external costs.

This includes:

  • Professional service fees
  • Coffin or casket cost
  • Mortuary care and transport
  • Burial or cremation fees
  • Venue hire, celebrant and optional extras

You should never feel pressured to pay without reviewing an itemised quote.

🔗 NSW Fair Trading – How Much Funerals Cost

🪦 3. Your Right to Choose How and Where to Say Goodbye

Every Australian family has the right to decide:

  • Which funeral director they use
  • Whether to hold a service or not
  • The location, style, and content of the farewell
  • Whether to opt for burial, cremation, or natural alternatives

You are not legally required to use the first funeral home you contact — take time to compare options and choose what feels right.

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💳 4. Your Right to Fair and Transparent Pricing

Funeral homes must clearly display prices, both online and in person.

Some states now require mandatory price lists or disclosure forms — for example:

  • QLD Funeral Pricing Regulation 2022
  • WA Funeral Pricing Code of Practice

Funeral providers who fail to comply may be in breach of consumer law.

🔗 Queensland Government – Fair Trading Regulations

🔗 WA Consumer Protection

⚰️ 5. Your Right to Dignified and Respectful Care

You and your loved one are entitled to respect, professionalism, and privacy throughout the funeral process.

That includes:

  • Safe, lawful mortuary care
  • Proper identification and tracking of remains
  • Secure handling of ashes
  • Cultural or religious respect at every stage

Unprofessional conduct may be reportable to state regulators or the police if it breaches public health or decency standards.

📜 6. Your Right to Fair Contracts and Refunds

Funeral contracts must be written in plain English, outlining all costs and cancellation terms.

You have the right to:

  • Request a full explanation before signing
  • Cancel the contract if services are misrepresented
  • Seek refunds for undelivered or unsatisfactory services

Under the Australian Consumer Law, you are entitled to a remedy if goods or services are not provided as promised.

🔗 Consumer Law – consumer.gov.au

🕊️ 7. Your Right to Affordable Options

Every family has the right to choose an affordable, lawful funeral that meets their needs.

This includes access to:

  • Direct cremations (no service, unattended)
  • Community assistance or council programs
  • Prepaid plans or funeral bonds with regulated protection

No one should feel pressured into debt or unnecessary extras during grief.

🔗 Services Australia – Bereavement Payment

🧭 8. Your Right to Compare and Choose Independently

You are never obligated to choose the funeral home that first collects your loved one.

You have the right to:

  • Compare multiple quotes
  • Move your loved one to another provider if you wish
  • Decline optional products and upsells

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🚨 9. Your Right to Report Misconduct

If you experience unethical behaviour, you can report it to:

eziFunerals also provides a confidential feedback channel for families who believe their rights were violated.

💚 10. Your Right to Compassion, Integrity and Choice

Every Australian deserves a dignified farewell, delivered with compassion and honesty.

At eziFunerals, we champion these values through our Fair Funeral Promise — working with independent, transparent funeral homes that share our commitment to:

  • Ethical pricing
  • Compassionate service
  • Consumer empowerment

Because saying goodbye should never be about pressure or profit — it should be about peace.

🕯️ eziFunerals’ Fair Funeral Promise

✅ No commissions or kickbacks

✅ No hidden fees or sales pressure

✅ No misleading packages

✅ 100% privacy and independence

✅ Transparent pricing and fair quotes

Better Prices. Better Choices. Smarter Funerals.

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❓ FAQs – The Funeral Bill of Rights

Q1. What laws protect funeral consumers in Australia?

The Australian Consumer Law protects families from unfair, misleading or deceptive conduct in the sale of funeral services.

Q2. Can I get a written quote before agreeing to a funeral?

Yes — it’s your legal right under consumer law to receive an itemised written quote.

Q3. Are prepaid funerals covered by consumer protections?

Yes. Prepaid plans are regulated by state laws and must hold funds in trust.

Q4. What should I do if I’ve been overcharged or misled?

Request a refund in writing, and if unresolved, report it to your state consumer protection agency or the ACCC.

Q5. How does eziFunerals support my rights?

We provide transparent quotes, consumer education, and connect families only with trusted independent funeral homes.

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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.