A Guardian Australia investigation has uncovered that hundreds of poor and vulnerable Australians are being buried in unmarked communal graves in New South Wales. These graves typically hold four to six individuals designated as "persons without means" by the NSW government, meaning they cannot afford their own funerals.
The three-month investigation, which included evidence from family, friends, support workers, and analysis of cemetery records, identified serious failures in the process. In several cases, family, friends, or community leaders were reportedly not informed about the use of unmarked communal graves or given an opportunity to pay for a proper burial or marker, which may breach government policy.
Among those placed in unmarked communal graves since 2016 are at least 18 individuals known to Sydney homelessness services and two Vietnam war veterans. The Department of Veterans' Affairs confirmed it has not been approached for funding assistance for destitute burials since 2020, despite running a program for indigent veterans.
In response to the revelations, NSW Health has issued an apology, acknowledging that the deceased and their loved ones have not always been treated with the dignity and respect they deserved. The health minister, Ryan Park, has described past failings as "unacceptable." The NSW government has indicated it hopes recent changes will improve the process and has flagged further reforms, including working with charities and non-government organisations to secure funeral funding.