Australian Funeral Directors Association
Selecting the right funeral director can be a monumental and emotional decision, particularly when you are grieving. However, selecting a funeral director who holds accreditation from the esteemed Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA) will offer peace of mind knowing that you are in expert and capable hands.
With its members committed to upholding ethical standards of practice, the AFDA assures all clients of professional and empathetic services that are essential at a time of loss. The AFDA enforces strict codes of ethics and conducts designed to ensure that industry standards are of the highest calibre, covering compliance with relevant laws, emphasis on public health and welfare, and prioritising the needs and interests of the bereaved.
Additionally, member firms are required to honour certain standards with regards to equipment, premises, and vehicles, and undertake training through credible training organisations. The AFDA, founded in 1935, has member firms throughout the whole of Australia, widely recognised by Australia’s media, governments and industry suppliers as the preeminent voice on funeral matters in the region.
As a public company, limited by guarantee and administered by an elected board, with offices in each state, the AFDA remains committed to the development and elevation of professional standards within the funeral industry.
Australian Funeral Directors Association Code of Conduct
Funeral directors have an ethical obligation to serve each family in a professional and caring manner, being respectful of their wishes and confidences, being honest and fair in all dealings with them and willingly provide professional and quality service to every person’s stature within our community and to families of all socio-economic means. Funeral directors have an ethical obligation to care for each deceased person with the highest respect and dignity, and to transport, prepare and shelter the remains in a professional, caring and secure manner. Funeral directors have an ethical obligation to the public to offer their services and to operate their businesses in accordance with the highest principles of honesty, fair dealing and professionalism.
Robert Nelson is a fifth-generation funeral director and Managing Director of Robert Nelson Funerals, he is Past President of The AFDA (Victorian Division) and Past Deputy Chairman of the Australian Institute of Embalmers. He regards education in funeral service as vital to the professional and ongoing development of the profession.
