State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has called on the NSW Government to give the public more time for feedback on its plan for 25-year rents for grave plots to make room in crowded cemeteries.
The Government is calling for feedback on Part 4 of the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013 which will allow a 25-year renewable interment right, which can be renewed up to a total of 99 years.
The new interment rights system under the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013 is expected to commence in early 2018.
The Government has only allowed 2 weeks for the community to have their say, during the busiest time of the year.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“This is a sneaky move by the Government. At the busiest time of the year, they have given the community 2 weeks to provide feedback on this emotive and deeply personal issue.”
“This is another example of the Government trying to avoid any scrutiny. Well I don’t think it is good enough and my community certainly don’t think it is good enough either.”
“Your loved ones could only get 25 years in their grave before being dug up and stashed in a bone room under this new plan.”
“We are potentially looking at a situation where families will be contacted years down the track by cemetery operators demanding additional payment or face having their loved ones dug up.”
“This plan creates a situation where long-term burial would depend on someone’s capacity to pay.”
“The Government should allow the community more time to have a say.”