Part 4: Funeral costs, floral and non-floral tributes

11.4.1    Purpose
11.4.2    Member this Part applies to
11.4.3    Member this Part does not apply to
11.4.4    Definitions
11.4.5    Funeral costs
11.4.6    Funeral overseas
11.4.7    Travel and accommodation
11.4.8    Floral and non-floral tributes

11.4.1    Purpose

 

The purpose of this Part is to provide a deceased member's family with financial assistance for funeral costs, floral and non-floral tributes.

11.4.2    Member this Part applies to

 

This Part applies to the following deceased members.

 

a.

A member of the Permanent Force.

 

b.

A member of the Reserve Force in any of the following circumstances at the time of death.

 

i.

On continuous full-time service.

 

ii.

Undergoing training.

 

iii.

Attending a parade or bivouac.

 

iv.

The death is due to injuries suffered, or illness contracted, while serving in the ADF.

 

v.

The member had been on overseas operational deployment within the previous 12 months.

 

c.

A member of the Reserve Force or a retired member who met one of the following conditions before death.

 

i.

The member held the rank of two-Star or above.

 

ii.

A member of the Air Force who held a substantive air rank or was a Principle Air Chaplain who was promoted before 7 May 1999.

 

iii.

The relevant Service Chief has requested that a benefit be provided for the member under this Part, having regard to the member's distinguished career.

 

d.

A member who was awarded the Victoria Cross or the Victoria Cross for Australia.

 

11.4.3    Member this Part does not apply to

1.

This Part does not apply to the following deceased members.

 

a.

A member who was absent without leave at the time of death.

See also: Chapter 3 Part 6 clause 3.6.1, Overview

Exception: The part may apply if a suspension is ceased in accordance with regulations 61 or 70 of  Part XIII in Defence Force Regulations 1952

 

b.

A retired member of the ADF.

Exception: Members listed in paragraph 11.4.2.c or 11.4.2.d.

 

c.

An officer or instructor of Cadets.

 

d.

A member of the Cadets.

2.

Director General Defence Community Organisation may approve a funeral at Commonwealth expense for deceased members under paragraphs 1.b-d. if requested by the relevant Service Chief.

11.4.4    Definitions

 

This table defines terms used in this Part.

 

Term

Definition in this Part

Floral tribute

A close fitting cover, sheath or wreath of fresh flowers and foliage.

Non-floral tribute

Either or both of the following.
a.  A wreath of imitation flowers or leaves.
b.  A suitably inscribed book.

Next of kin

The member's dependant or another family member the member has nominated for this purpose.

Legal personal representative

The person referred to in 1.6.4.1, usually the member's executor.

11.4.5    Funeral costs

1.

The Director General Defence Community Organisation may pay, or reimburse the deceased member's next of kin or legal personal representative, funeral costs up to $12,500, for the following expenses.

 

a.

Transport costs for the deceased member, if the funeral is to be at a location other than where the member died.

 

b.

If the deceased member has been cremated, removal of the ashes to a location nominated by the member's next of kin or legal personal representative.

 

c.

Collection and preparation of the member's remains.

 

d.

Supply and delivery of a casket or urn.

 

e.

Shroud (if needed).

 

f.

Undertaker, funeral director.

 

g.

Hearse and driver.

 

h.

Use of undertaker's premises.

Example: The wake following the funeral is held at a reception room at the funeral director's premises.

 

i.

Floral car.

 

j.

Transport of the deceased member's family to and from the funeral service.

Note: This transportation is at the funeral location only.

See: Clause 11.4.7 for travel and accommodation for family travelling from another location within Australia.

 

k.

Fees and transport of a clergyperson.

 

l.

Two press notices.

 

m.

Memorial book.

 

n.

Floral tributes.

 

o.

Burial or cremation fees.

 

p.

Headstone or memorial plaque.

2.

If the member has no dependants, the CDF may approve reimbursement to the member's legal personal representative.

See: Chapter 1 Part 6 clause 1.6.4, Payment of amounts on death of a member

3.

To claim reimbursement of costs approved by Director General Defence Community Organisation listed in subclause 1. The deceased member's next of kin or legal personal representative is to present invoices or receipts to the Defence Community Organisation.

4.

The Director General Defence Community Organisation may approve payment or reimbursement above $12,500 for the expenses listed in subclause 1 if satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances.

11.4.6    Funeral overseas

1.

If the deceased member's next of kin choose to have a private funeral overseas the Director General Defence Community Organisation may approve costs up to the maximum shown in subclause 11.4.5.1.

See: Clause 11.4.5, Funeral costs

2.

Overseas funeral arrangements are the responsibility of the deceased member's next of kin or legal personal representative.

3.

Travel costs will not be met by the Commonwealth.

11.4.7    Travel and accommodation

1.

The Director General Defence Community Organisation may approve travel and two nights accommodation expenses for dependants to attend the deceased member's funeral.

2.

The Director General Defence Community Organisation may approve travel and two night's accommodation for any of the following persons to attend the deceased member's funeral.

 

a.

If the member's dependant is very young, aged, infirm or severely distressed, an additional person to accompany the dependant.

 

b.

A family member who has been nominated by a dependant when the dependant is unable to attend the funeral.

 

c.

The parents of the deceased member.

3.

The Director General Defence Community Organisation may approve additional accommodation if the travel requirements and funeral service times require the approved people to stay at the location for an additional night.

4.

Travel and accommodation approved under this clause is only for travel and accommodation within Australia and must be organised through the Defence Travel Contract.

11.4.8    Floral and non-floral tributes

1.

The CDF may approve floral and non-floral tributes at Commonwealth expense for a member, for any of the following.

 

a.

An act of commemoration at a funeral of a deceased member listed in clause 11.4.2.

 

b.

An annual celebration of remembrance of a deceased member listed in clause 11.4.2.

See: Clause 11.4.2, Member this Part applies to

 

c.

In relation to a memorial occasion of national importance.

2.

The maximum amount payable for floral and non-floral tributes is $250.

 

 

PACMAN                                                              AL13 (November 2009)                                                 Chapter 11 – Part 4 – 4