[Greens-Media] Govt must act on unethical funeral industry practice

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE
29 August 2006



Govt must act on unethical funeral industry practice


Greens MP Lee Rhiannon tonight made an adjournment speech to NSW
parliament detailing the tragic experiences of a funeral industry
employee who was forced to perform multiple cremations and dispose of
ashes in garbage bins.

"The employee worked in a crematorium at the Pine Grove Memorial Park
in Western Sydney for four years from 1988 and is highly distressed by
the experience," Ms Rhiannon said.

"The NSW Government has failed to act upon even the modest
recommendations of the 2005 NSW Legislative Council Inquiry into the
State's Funeral Industry.

"Now is the time for Premier Iemma to act to protect the public from
unethical practices occurring in an industry dominated by just a few
players.

"The government should develop a licensing system for funeral
operators and work with the industry to develop an industry ombudsman
to manage complaints.

"Funerals occur at a time when people are extremely vulnerable.

"This makes it incumbent on the government to better manage the
industry to ensure it operates to the highest standard for consumers
and employees like Mr Howell," Ms Rhiannon said.


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