Funeral Industry Roundtable announced
The Victorian Coalition Government has today announced the establishment of a Funeral Industry Roundtable.
The Roundtable will replace the Funeral Industry Ministerial Advisory Council (FIMAC), which was established in 2008 to monitor the operation of the Funerals Act 2006 (the Act) and advise the Minister on matters relating to the provision of funeral services. The FIMAC will be repealed through amendments to the Act.
Minister for Consumer Affairs Michael O'Brien said the Roundtable will be an important avenue by which the funeral industry can consult with government.
"Regulation and oversight of this industry are important. The Coalition Government has determined the Roundtable will be a less bureaucratic and more responsive structure than FIMAC," Mr O'Brien said.
"By establishing this group we are removing an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy, while ensuring that the industry will continue to have an appropriate forum to discuss issues with government."
Mr O'Brien said the funeral industry is unique, as people arrange funerals at one of the most difficult times in their lives and often rely heavily on the funeral operator for advice and direction.
Consumer Affairs Victoria monitors funeral providers, keeps them informed of legislative requirements and can conduct inspections to ensure funeral providers are complying with registration, price disclosure and complaints handling provisions under the Act.
Mr O'Brien thanked the previous members of FIMAC for their contributions. Membership of the Funeral Industry Roundtable will be announced shortly.
Further information about the rules around funeral providers is available at www.consumer.vic.gov.au
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