Changes to Cemetery trusts - Questions and Answers - 2008

• What will be the impact on other cemetery trusts?
• Will any cemeteries have to close as a result of this change?
• Will the community have the opportunity to have input into the new larger metropolitan cemetery trusts?
• How will this change affect the staff of the metropolitan trusts?
• Will any jobs change as a result of the metropolitan organisational change?
• Will Unions be consulted?
• How long will it take to implement the announced changes?
• What should the metropolitan cemetery trusts affected by this change do in the meantime?
• What will be the impact of the changes to the metropolitan cemetery trusts on purchasers of cemetery services and suppliers of services to the trusts?
• Will the cemeteries sector be involved in the change process?
• Where can I obtain further information?

What will be the impact on other cemetery trusts?

Other cemetery trusts in the Melbourne metropolitan area and in rural and regional Victoria will not be affected by these changes.  These trusts will retain their independence and will continue to be governed by volunteers. 
Over time, these trusts should benefit by being able to access increased advice and support from the new metropolitan and enhanced regional trusts. 

Will any cemeteries have to close as a result of this change?

No operating cemetery will be forced to close.

Will the community have the opportunity to have input into the new larger metropolitan cemetery trusts?

Yes.  The new trusts will be required to establish community advisory committees, to ensure that they are attuned to the needs and preferences of the communities that they serve and their policies and decisions are informed by community input.

How will this change affect the staff of the metropolitan trusts?

It is intended that existing cemetery trust staff will transfer to the newly created trusts on the same terms and conditions of employment and with their entitlements preserved. 

Trust Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are in a special position as 10 metropolitan cemetery trusts are being restructured to form two new organisations. 

Will any jobs change as a result of the metropolitan organisational change?

No.

In the future, the new metropolitan cemetery trusts may undertake organisational reviews which might result in some workplace changes. 

If the new trusts propose to make any organisational changes, they will be required to comply with laws and agreements governing the processes for workplace change, including consultation with staff affected and their unions or authorised representatives.

Will Unions be consulted?

Yes.  Unions will be consulted during the change process.

How long will it take to implement the announced changes?

Changes to the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2003 are needed to implement some of the announced changes and to strengthen the governance framework and roles and responsibilities of the large trusts affected. 

This legislation will submitted to Parliament in 2009. 

The restructure will be completed in 2010. 

What should the metropolitan cemetery trusts affected by this change do in the meantime?

It will be business as usual for the metropolitan cemetery trusts affected by this change until the two new cemetery trusts are established. 

However, these trusts should not commit to new major projects involving substantial financial commitments.  Careful consideration should also be given to the term of any senior appointments.

Further advice on this matter can be obtained from the Cemeteries and Crematoria Program on (03) 9096 5808.

What will be the impact of the changes to the metropolitan cemetery trusts on purchasers of cemetery services and suppliers of services to the trusts?

The two new entities will be the legal successors of the trusts that are restructured to form them.  All contracts will be honoured by the new trusts. 

Will the cemeteries sector be involved in the change process?

Yes.  An advisory group will be established comprising sector members.  This group will be a focus for consultation with the sector throughout the change process.  It will play a key role in planning for structural changes and ensuring the changes are implemented smoothly and efficiently. 

Where can I obtain further information?

Regular information bulletins will be posted on the Department’s website at the following address: www.health.vic.gov.au/cemeteries

Specific inquires can be directed to the Cemeteries and Crematoria Program on (03) 9096 5808.