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State funerals in Australia are offered to prominent Australians who have made significant contributions to the nation. They are also offered to former senior officers of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and sometimes to governors-general, prime ministers, and state officials who have served in the military. State funerals are funded by state and territory governments, while Commonwealth state funeral expenses are funded by the federal government. The Protocol and Events team at the Department of Premier and Cabinet are responsible for delivering official state funerals and memorial services on behalf of the Premier and the Victorian Government. While state funerals are meant to honour Australians' lives, critics have pointed out the gender imbalance in the number of women honoured with state funerals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 49 individual state funerals and memorials were arranged by the Federal government in the past two decades |
| Gender distribution | Of the 49 individual state funerals and memorials, just 5 were for women |
| Locations | Melbourne General Cemetery, Melbourne Cricket Ground, St Patrick's Cathedral, Fitzroy Town Hall, MCG Members Dining Room, etc. |
| Honourees | Robert Burke, William Wills, Shane Warne, Dame Olivia Newton-John, Professor Derek Denton, etc. |
| Organisers | The Protocol and Events team at the Department of Premier and Cabinet |
| Funding | Commonwealth state funerals are funded by the federal government, while state funerals are funded by state and territory governments |
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What You'll Learn
Who is eligible for a state funeral in Australia?
A state funeral is a public funeral ceremony observing strict rules of protocol, honouring people of national significance. Generally, state funerals are held to involve the general public in a national day of mourning after the family of the deceased gives consent.
In Australia, the decision on who is eligible for a state funeral rests on the Prime Minister, Premier, or Chief Minister on the day. Commonwealth state funerals are offered to former or deceased high-ranking government officials, including prime ministers, prominent Australians who have made long and significant contributions to the nation, and former senior officers of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
State funerals are also generally offered to former Governors, Premiers, Deputy Premiers, Speakers of the House of Assembly, Chief Justices, and other senior public officials.
Some notable Australians who have received a state funeral include:
- Shane Warne, Australian cricket legend
- Steve Irwin
- Sir James Killen AC, KCMG, former long-serving federal Liberal MP and minister
- Ted Whitten OAM, Australian Rules football player
- Peter Brock AM, race-car driver
- Kimberley Kitching, Labor federal senator
- Russell Ebert OAM, Australian rules footballer and coach
- Graham 'Polly' Farmer MBE, WA footballer
- Dame Olivia Newton-John AC DBE
- Robert O'Hara Burke and William John Wills, explorers
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Gender imbalance in Australian state funerals
A state funeral in Australia is an official funeral organised by the government to commemorate and celebrate the lives of prominent Australians. However, there is a significant gender imbalance in these state funerals, with men far outnumbering women among the recipients.
Data obtained by The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald reveals that of the 49 individual state funerals and memorials arranged by the Federal government in the past two decades, only five were for women. This represents a mere 10% of the total, despite women constituting more than half of Australia's population. The state of Victoria has held six state funerals for women out of 47 services (13%) since 2002, while New South Wales (NSW) has held nine out of 42 (20%).
The gender disparity in state funerals has sparked dismay and calls for change from feminists, academics, and women's rights advocates. They argue that accomplished women are being overlooked, and the low number of female recipients reflects an unconscious bias and a "'respect gap' in perceptions of women." It is suggested that society tends to associate leadership and significant contributions primarily with men, particularly in politics, sports, and civic life.
A spokesperson from the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet acknowledged that senior public office roles have been historically over-represented by men. However, they expressed optimism for the future, noting that as more women occupy cabinet and government board positions, greater gender equality will be reflected in state funerals and memorials.
While the trend towards greater gender equality in leadership roles may help address the imbalance in state funerals over time, advocates for gender equality have called for more immediate action. They suggest broadening the scope of individuals considered for state funerals and making the decision-making process more transparent, subject to gender equality audits.
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State funeral locations in Australia
A state funeral is a public funeral ceremony observing strict rules of protocol, honouring people of national significance. State funerals are usually held to involve the general public in a national day of mourning after the family of the deceased gives consent. In Australia, state funerals are generally offered to former Governors, Premiers, Deputy Premiers, Speakers of the House of Assembly, Chief Justices, and other senior public officials.
Victoria has held the most state funerals in Australia. The first state funeral in Australia was held on 10 October 1839, for Surveyor General Lieutenant Colonel William Light. The funeral took place in South Australia. Explorers Robert O'Hara Burke and William John Wills received Victoria's first and Australia's second state funeral on 21 January 1863.
- St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne
- Fitzroy Town Hall
- Sts Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral
- Immigration Museum
- Port Melbourne Football Club
- Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Marvel Stadium, Docklands
- Frankston Arts Centre
- Hamer Hall
- Sidney Myer Music Bowl
- East Melbourne
- GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
- Rod Laver Arena
State funerals have also been held in New South Wales, the first of which was accorded to statesman William Wentworth on 6 May 1873.
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The cost of state funerals
State funerals in Australia are reserved for individuals who held senior public official positions during their lifetime. The cost of a funeral, in general, depends on the services chosen and can vary between funeral directors. A basic funeral in Australia costs between $3,000 and $5,000, while the average cost of a funeral in NSW is between $5,000 and $8,000. The most expensive part of a cremation funeral is usually the funeral director's fee, whereas, for a burial, the burial plot is likely to be the most expensive element.
In Australia, a funeral typically costs between $4,000 and $15,000. The cost of a state funeral, however, is not publicly available. The cost of a state funeral is likely to be higher than the average funeral cost due to the additional protocols, events, and attendance of dignitaries.
The Australian government provides financial assistance for funeral expenses in certain circumstances. Local Health Districts may provide financial assistance to those responsible for a funeral who claim financial hardship, although this is typically provided after the funeral has taken place. Eligible Australian veterans may receive official commemoration and assistance with funeral expenses from the Australian Government Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA). Additionally, registered clubs, such as the Returned and Services League (RSL), may contribute towards the funeral costs of their members.
While the cost of state funerals in Australia is not publicly disclosed, it is reasonable to assume that they are significantly more expensive than the average funeral due to their scale and significance.
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Military state funerals
Military funerals in Australia are steeped in tradition and protocol to honour the deceased with the utmost respect and dignity. They are granted to citizens who have served in the Australian Defence Forces (ADF) and follow specific rituals that signify their dedication and service to the country.
The Australian National Flag is draped over the coffin, with the Union Jack placed over the head and left shoulder, symbolising the nation's gratitude for their sacrifices. If the deceased served in a specific branch of the military, the respective service flag may also be used. The flag is then carefully folded by the honour guard and presented to the next of kin as a token of appreciation. The coffin may also be stood vigil by a casket guard, usually composed of members of the deceased's unit, symbolising the respect and camaraderie of their fellow servicemen and women.
Military funerals often draw support from the wider community, with local veterans' organisations such as the RSL (Returned and Services League) coordinating their participation in the ceremony. The Australian Defence Force provides a range of services, assistance, and resources to support ADF members and their families, including bereavement payments, funeral benefits, and help with organising and coordinating any military components of the funeral.
In addition to the flag rituals, military funerals may also include ceremonial elements such as a gun carriage to transport the coffin, accompanied by a procession of military bands and detachments, as well as mourners and officials. The presence of military honours and protocol ensures that the funeral is a solemn and heartfelt tribute to the life and service of the deceased.
The process of arranging a military funeral can be complex, and it is recommended to seek professional assistance from funeral directors specialising in military services. By following established protocols, families can ensure that their loved ones receive the honours they deserve, and the community can pay their final respects in a dignified and meaningful manner.
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Frequently asked questions
A state funeral in Australia is a service organised by the government to commemorate the life of a prominent Australian.
State funerals are usually held for senior public officials, such as serving or former premiers, governors, chief justices, and military officers. However, they can also be offered to distinguished members of the community at the prerogative of the Premier.
Commonwealth state funeral expenses are funded by the federal government, while state funerals are funded by state and territory governments. Sometimes, they may partner to organise and fund the funeral together.
Yes, there is a significant gender gap in the number of state funerals held for men and women. Data shows that of the 49 individual state funerals arranged by the Federal government in the past two decades, only five were for women. This disparity is attributed to the historically low number of women in leadership positions and an unconscious bias that associates leadership with men.
