After Death: Behind the scenes of Australia’s funeral industry | Four Corners

ABC News In-depth2 minutes read

Funeral industry in Australia faces issues of lack of transparency, potential overcharging, and unethical behavior, with concerns about the treatment of deceased individuals and the need for stricter regulation highlighted. Various cases involving mishandling of bodies, unexpected charges, and lack of dignity in cremation processes have led to calls for legislative changes and increased oversight in the industry.

Insights

  • Lack of transparency in the funeral industry leads to potential exploitation of grieving families, with concerns raised about undisclosed practices like transporting multiple bodies together and unexpected charges post-funeral.
  • The treatment of the deceased with dignity is a central issue, as highlighted by various incidents involving mishandling of bodies, lack of proper maintenance, and undignified practices during the verification process for cremation, emphasizing the urgent need for stricter regulations and oversight within the industry.

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Recent questions

  • How are bodies transported for cremation?

    Bodies are transported 200 kilometers from Coburg North in Melbourne to New South Wales for cremation.

  • What are the concerns about the funeral industry?

    Concerns include lack of regulation, potential overcharging, and unethical behavior.

  • Who is Ian Gibson and what services does he offer?

    Ian Gibson runs White Dove Funeral Care in Dandenong South, providing basic coffin service for $2,900.

  • What issues have been highlighted in the funeral industry?

    Concerns include lack of transparency, mishandling of bodies, and exploitation of grieving families.

  • Why are there concerns about cremation practices in New South Wales?

    Concerns arise due to undignified verification processes and lack of legislative changes.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Funeral Industry Concerns: Lack of Transparency

  • Bodies are transported 200 kilometers from Coburg North in Melbourne to New South Wales for cremation.
  • The van used belongs to a major independent funeral company in Australia.
  • Concerns arise about the lack of disclosure to customers regarding multiple bodies being transported together.
  • The funeral industry is largely unregulated, leading to potential overcharging and unethical behavior.
  • The treatment of the deceased with dignity is highlighted as crucial.
  • Funeral companies are accused of exploiting grieving families for profit.
  • Funeral costs can range from $1,250 for a basic cremation to tens of thousands for elaborate services.
  • Lack of price transparency in the industry leads to potential exploitation of customers.
  • A family faced unexpected charges after a funeral, leading to disputes and debt collection threats.
  • The funeral industry lacks oversight and regulation, raising concerns about the treatment of the deceased and the need for stricter standards.

18:55

Funeral Care Controversies: Profit Over Dignity

  • Ian Gibson runs White Dove Funeral Care in Dandenong South in Melbourne, offering a basic coffin service for $2,900.
  • Gibson has been in the funeral business for nearly 30 years, providing services from collecting the deceased to preparation.
  • Father Albert Yoganathan encountered issues with Gibson in 2013 when children were exposed to an open coffin in a church.
  • Gibson was banned from conducting funerals in the parish but continued operating, conducting a funeral for a woman who committed suicide.
  • Michelle Appleton engaged Gibson for her funeral but faced numerous issues after her death, including her body being mishandled.
  • Nicole, Michelle's daughter, was upset to find her mother's body in a coffin that was too small, with her appearance not properly maintained.
  • Gibson faced complaints and legal action from Michelle's family, leading to a change in funeral directors.
  • Danny Hughes, a mortuary transport driver, highlights issues in the industry, such as bodies being moved without families' knowledge.
  • Some funeral companies transport bodies interstate for cremation to increase profits, potentially compromising the dignity of the deceased.
  • Christian Maxwell and James McLeod express concerns about funeral companies prioritizing profit over proper care and transparency in handling deceased individuals.

37:29

Crematorium Approval Sparks Concern in Funeral Industry

  • Anthony James has been granted permission to open a crematorium in Bethea Nia, South of Queensland's capital, causing concern within the funeral industry.
  • The process of verifying a body's identity for cremation in New South Wales involves a doctor viewing the body, often in undignified locations like loading docks, leading to calls for legislative changes.
  • The New South Wales Health Department is reviewing cremation certification requirements following concerns raised by the head of the New South Wales Funeral Directors Association about the undignified practices involved.
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