A new Burial and Cremation Bill introduced into Parliament today willreplace the current Cemeteries Act that was based on a 67 year-old CommonwealthOrdinance inherited by the Northern Territory at Self Government.
The new legislation has been revised to better reflect contemporarypractices and the wishes of the Northern Territory community in relation to burials,cremations and the handling of loved ones remains.
Stakeholders, including local authorities and councils, industry groups, land councils and government agencies provided feedback that was used to inform the drafting of the new Bill. Publicconsultations were held throughout the Northern Territory.
The new Act will recognise cemeteries on Aboriginal land for the first time, allowingfor these cemeteries to be declared and regulated.
Local government councils will manage all public and communitycemeteries within their areas, including the maintenance of accurate burialrecords. Where it is more appropriate, local organisations will be able tomanage cemeteries on Aboriginal land.
The new legislation will ensure that:
human remains continue to be treated with dignityand respect;
burial and cremation records, such as registers,are kept and maintained;
different practices and beliefs regarding theburial or cremation of human remains are accommodated; and
cemeteries on Aboriginal land are recognised.
Quotesattributable to Minister for Local Government, Housing and CommunityDevelopment, Gerry McCarthy:
The current CemeteriesAct 1952 predates the Land Rights (NorthernTerritory) Act 1976 and this Bill recognises and regulates cemeteries onAboriginal land for the first time.
I am proud that this Bill puts traditional ownersfirst they will be required to consent to cemeteries on their land.
While there are currently 16 gazetted cemeteries,it is anticipated that after this legislation commences, more than 100 newcemeteries could attain recognition.
The new Act is about streamlining burialand cremation legislation; showing respect for those who have passed on andensuring that records are kept for future generations.
