Matthew Hudson, of Winkleigh, was killed at Blue Ribbon's St Leonards abattoir when the forklift he was driving tipped over and crushed him in July 2004.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Blue Ribbon's owner Australian Food Group was fined $70,000 in the Supreme Court after the family appealed against the original $25,000 fine given in the Magistrates Court.
Matthew's father Guy Hudson said the $4800 bill for his son's funeral should have been paid by Blue Ribbon under the Workers Compensation Act.
"Industry took Matthew's life, and the courts have proven this, but industry aren't paying for his funeral costs," Mr Hudson said.
Under the Workers Compensation Act, the funeral costs of an employee who dies at work as a result of an employer's negligence should be paid by the employer.
However, the Australian Food Group contends that Matthew was not an employee and was on work experience with a private contractor.
Mr Hudson said the State Government had earned an extra $45,000 from the appeal his family won against the original $25,000 fine.
"So I'm sure the Government could alleviate some of the family's pressures by paying the funeral costs and recovering it from Blue Ribbon themselves," he said.
A spokesman for Justice Minister Steve Kons said it was inappropriate to comment on the matter while it was subject to civil action.
But Mr Hudson said the Government was not doing enough.
"They're public servants that are supposed to be working for the public and it's 27 months now (since Matthew's death)," he said.
"They've forgotten about the people and they need to put more effort into helping people like us who are struggling and battling."
•A coronial inquest into Matthew's death is expected to start in December.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Write a letter to The Examiner at PO Box 99, Launceston 7250, or e-mail editor@examiner.com.au