Cemeteries and memorial parks go through different phases during their lifecycle. When they are still accepting new burials (the so-called active phase), they tend to be heavily visited. When they are closed to new burials (the so-called inactive phase), visitor numbers tend to be lower and less frequent.
Given the community, cultural, and historic significance of cemeteries and memorial parks as places of remembrance and reflection, it is important that we properly plan for their perpetual (ongoing) care and maintenance as they transition from active to inactive phases.
The NSW Government is seeking feedback from cemetery operators and communities on its draft Perpetual Care Framework. Your feedback will ensure that the framework and the regulations that will be developed are appropriate and effective for the long-term care of our cemeteries and memorial parks.
We recommend that you download and read through the Perpetual care and the future of cemeteries - draft Perpetual Care Framework for consultation (PDF, 2 MB) before providing your feedback.
What is the Perpetual Care Framework about
The Framework aims to ensure cemeteries and memorial parks are respected and maintained into the future with clear standards for care. It has four objectives:
- Dignity and respect: that the remains of people interred in cemeteries must always be treated with dignity and respect.
- Cultural and religious inclusion: that the memorialisation practices and beliefs of all religious and cultural groups must be respected, both at the time of interment and into the future.
- Financial sustainability: that the approach to perpetual care must support ongoing financial sustainability of the sector and minimise cost impacts for people and their families.
- Maximising public value: That the future states of cemeteries should maximise their public value, in line with community needs and expectations while considering place-based approaches.
We are asking for your thoughts on how cemeteries should be cared for and maintained into the future – this is the concept of perpetual care.
To help you understand the issues, alongside the draft Framework we have published market research we conducted to understand community views on these issues, a fact sheet, as well as a short webinar giving an overview.
Once you have looked at the material, you can complete a short survey.
Background information
The following materials are available for you to read, listen to, and watch before completing the survey:
- Perpetual care and the future of cemeteries - draft Perpetual Care Framework for consultation (PDF, 2 MB)
- Community views on the Future State of Cemeteries - Research Report (PDF, 4.5 MB)
- Perpetual Care Framework – fact sheet (PDF, 117 KB)
- A short webinar explaining the key points
You may view any or all of these. Choose whatever suits you best.
Frequently asked questions
We want to make sure the approach to regulation of perpetual care reflects what the community expects and considers the views of cemetery operators. Knowing which group you belong to helps us understand any differences in views.
No. You will not be identified beyond telling us whether you are a member of the public or from industry.
No. You don’t have to answer every question. However, the more input you provide, the clearer our understanding will be of your views.
Your feedback will help develop the final approach to how this will be regulated.
If you need help with any question, please email us at [email protected].
Your additional comments are welcome.
Please email us email us at [email protected].
After the consultation closes on Friday, 27 March 2026, we will review all feedback and finalise the Perpetual Care Framework. This will then be reflected with relevant regulatory requirements expected to commence in 2027.
We will update the Cemeteries and Crematoria website on a regular basis after consultation closes on Friday, 27 March 2026.
You can also email us at [email protected].