The state government is introducing a mandatory code of practice for prepaid funerals to better protect and safeguard our seniors and their families.
The proposed mandatory code of practice would require more clarity in prepaid funeral contracts, introduce a 30-day cooling-off period, and require funeral providers to quarantine clients’ funds in accounts separate from their own.
“Seniors around the State have millions invested in prepaid funeral funds, and we want to make sure each and every fund is managed correctly,” said Seniors and Ageing Minister Mick Murray.
The proposed regulation will strengthen an existing voluntary code for the management of prepaid funeral funds – a standard already met by members of the Australian Funeral Directors’ Association.
The tightened requirements will reach funeral directors who are not members of the Association, as well as ‘funeral brokers’, who provide prepaid funeral funds but are not certified funeral directors.
“Companies selling prepaid funeral funds must be held to the highest standard and the proposed mandatory code of practice will ensure the community’s expectations are clear,” said Mr Murray.
The proposed mandatory code of practice under the Fair Trading Act will cover all sellers of prepaid funeral packages. Requirements in the proposed code include:
- Information that must be included in a prepaid funeral contract, including what happens in the event of late or missed payments or the death of the consumer before final payment is made if they are paying by instalments;
- Funds to be held by the WA Public Trustee or an investment manager regulated by the Commonwealth Government;
- Consumers to be given information in writing as to how the money will be invested;
- A 30-day cooling-off period;
- Circumstances under which money paid under a prepaid funeral contract should be refunded; and
- Funeral directors to keep a register of contracts.
Commerce and Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston urges the public to review the regulations as,”it’s important we get the regulations right… prior to making it law.”
The State Government is urging the public and industry to provide feedback on the draft code of practice by visiting http://www.dmirs.wa.gov.au/cp-consultations
