Photo of a woman placing a white rose on a coffin

'All you need is a pulse and briefcase'

Last year, there were more than 183,000 deaths in the country. And next year, it's estimated the funeral directors, crematoria and cemeteries industry revenue will reach $2.4 billion.

Published: 15 December 2024
  • national
  • 15 December 2024
  • ABC News

Funerals are big business in Australia. Despite this, experts say there are no national standards for the industry nor requirements to become a funeral director in Australia.

Background Briefing spoke to one funeral director in Victoria who said "you only need a pulse and a briefcase".

This ABC story shines a light of some of the negligent and abusive behaviour shown by some unscrupulous funeral homes to both the grieving living and their dead loved ones.