Revelations that unmarked communal graves have been used to bury impoverished Australians without notifying their families have sparked political backlash and calls for urgent reform. The practice, uncovered in recent reporting, has drawn criticism from federal and state politicians as well as community advocates, prompting the New South Wales government to initiate a review.

The controversy centers on burials at Rookwood cemetery in western Sydney, where plots often contain between four and six unrelated individuals, including Vietnam veterans, rough sleepers, people with gambling addictions, and migrants from developing countries. In some cases, families and friends were not informed prior to burial, denying them the opportunity to arrange alternative funerals—a breach of NSW Health policy.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park acknowledged he was unaware of the extent of the practice before it was revealed and described past failings as “unacceptable.” He has directed his department to examine reforms that could emulate Victoria’s model, where each individual is buried in a marked grave costing approximately $3,000. Park stressed the importance of treating deceased individuals and their families with dignity and respect, regardless of financial circumstances, and said the government is committed to improving communication with loved ones.

Independent Senator David Pocock called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to raise the issue at national cabinet, urging a nationally consistent approach to ensure dignified burials and notification standards. “Being poor in a country as wealthy as Australia should not condemn you to an unmarked communal grave,” Pocock said, emphasizing the broader societal values at stake.

Defence shadow minister Phillip Thompson expressed disappointment that war veterans were among those buried in unmarked mass graves, arguing that all veterans deserve respect and recognition regardless of their financial status. The NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson also called for a thorough examination of whether sufficient resources and protections are in place to support families through the burial process.

NSW Health Pathology currently holds responsibility for managing burials of deceased persons without financial means following a 2025 reform that transferred this role from the police. The department acknowledged that it has not always fulfilled its obligations to inform families or treat those who have passed away with dignity. A spokesperson said NSW Health is committed to changing how it collaborates with families, funeral providers, and community organizations to improve outcomes.

Community leaders highlighted that at least 18 individuals known to homelessness services had been buried in unmarked communal graves without notification. NSW Health has signaled a willingness to work more closely with charities to seek funeral funding, aiming to prevent similar issues in the future.

The investigation identified ongoing cases of unmarked burials despite recent policy updates requiring uniform flat grave markers. Metropolitan Memorial Parks, which operates Rookwood cemetery, stated that the government has not provided funding for these markers, contributing to the persistence of the problem.

Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich welcomed the changes underway but emphasized the need for all community members, especially the vulnerable, to be given the chance for a respectful farewell that honors their lives. The NSW government’s review is expected to deliver recommendations aimed at preventing future lapses and ensuring more humane treatment of those without means in death.