By Mario Xuereb
KEILOR Cemetery is one of five Melbourne cemeteries told to shape up after a report uncovered questionable practices in the burial industry.
An Auditor-General’s report into the management of cemeteries pointed to a number of practices considered “potentially illegal, contrary to government policy, inappropriate or poor practice”.
Health Minister Bronwyn Pike has given the Keilor Cemetery Trust 20 days to outline the action it will take to fix the problems and prevent their repeat.
The report did not accuse the Keilor Trust of any serious breaches, but referred to minor deficiencies in its tendering processes and employee salaries.
Free burials, commission payments and loans to staff are among the practices the government wants addressed at other Melbourne cemeteries.
Trust chairman and Brimbank councillor Kathryn Erikkson said she welcomed the results of the report.
She said the burial industry needed greater uniformity in pricing and regulation.
“I think there are some positives to come out of the report which cemeteries and crematoria can take up,” Cr Erikkson said.
“But many of the issues raised were already addressed by the trust last year.
“I think people can have confidence in the industry now.”
The State Government remains unconvinced.
“All the major cemetery trusts have been put on notice to address all the issues raised by the Auditor-General,” Ms Pike said.
The government will appoint an administrator to ensure the Keilor Cemetery and the other cemeteries comply with the report’s recommendations.
The full version of the report, Evaluation of the Financial Viability of Victoria’s Cemetery Trusts and the Development of Fee Models, can be seen at www.dhs.vic.gov.au.
