The government has released a consultation paper on management of burials on properties earmarked to be sold by the Anglican Church.
Attorney-General Elise Archer said the draft legislation provided for a five-year compliance audit on properties sold and increased infringement fines.
“The draft legislation reflects our commitment to preserving, protecting, and where appropriate, strengthening both the rights of community members and the obligations on cemetery managers,” she said.
“It is proposed that the law around closing cemeteries will also change, increasing the length of time from the last burial, from 30 to 100 years.”
Ms Archer said under the Burial and Cremation Act, cemetery managers need to maintain the cemetery, honour burial rights and allow public access.
Under amendments, private individuals would not be able to be cemetery managers and such sites would need to be overseen by body corporates.
Lyons Labor MHA Jen Butler said she supported the proposed lengthening of internment rights, adding that families needed certainty over the resting places of loved ones.
“Tasmania is the only state that does not provide perpetuity options to interments,” Ms Butler said.
“It is accepted that legal perpetuity is 100 years."
The consultation paper is available of the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s website.
Public feedback to the changes will be taken until October 14.
The government plans to have legislation introduced in Parliament before the end of the year.
