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Wednesday October 10 2007, Media Release

NSWALC WELCOMES FUNERAL FUND INQUIRY

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council today welcomed a state government inquiry into the operations of funeral funds for Aboriginal people as well as an education campaign for current and potential fund members.

NSWALC Chairperson, Bev Manton, said the Council was concerned that some Aboriginal people were vulnerable to exploitation by funeral funds and were paying membership contributions without full knowledge of their rights and responsibilities.

“It’s bad enough that Aboriginal people’s life spans are 17 years shorter than other Australians but it is absolutely abhorrent to think there may be companies exploiting such misery with unscrupulous funeral schemes,” Ms Manton said.

Ms Manton said NSWALC welcomed an announcement by NSW Fair Trading Minister, Linda Burney, that the Commissioner for Fair Trading would investigate whether funeral funds targeting Aboriginal people were complying with state laws.

“We also welcome Minister Burney’s announcement that the NSW Office of Fair Trading will conduct up to 20 information sessions around the state during the next three months to advise Aboriginal people about their rights in relation to funeral schemes.

“It is appropriate that the government should take action to ensure that NSW Aboriginal people are not being exploited by deceptive or high pressure selling techniques and that they are fully aware of their rights.

“NSWALC would be happy to assist the State Government in the dissemination of any material in this regard.”

A NSWALC funeral fund was prevented from operating during the mid-1990s after court action by a rival fund but the Council now offers funeral grants to all Aboriginal people in NSW.

Funeral grants of up to $5000 are available for people who were financial members of the funeral fund until its closure while any NSW Aborigine who was unfinancial or not a member of the Fund is entitled to a funeral grant of up to $1000.

The grants are paid directly to funeral directors upon receipt of invoices.

NSWALC provided grants of more than $519,000 for 362 funerals last financial year.

Further information: Paul Molloy 0419 690 926