Updated on 2 July 2024

Steps for applying to go to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander funeral

The process for applying to go to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander funeral come from Commissioner’s Requirement 1.2.8 – Funeral Attendance of Aboriginal Prisoners.

Step 1: Let the Aboriginal Wellbeing Officer (AWO) or Aboriginal Liaison Officer (ALO) at your prison know that you need to attend a funeral. 

Step 2: Complete an application for Community Custodial Permit (in Victoria) or Custodial Interstate Community Permits (interstate) with the AWO or ALO.  

The application will need to include: 

  • Details of person whose funeral it is and what your family or kinship relationship to them is
  • Details of an important person in your family who can help the AWO or ALO verify your relationship with the person whose funeral it is
  • Nomination of a person in your family who is attending the funeral and can be the contact person for prison staff if you are allowed to go to the funeral

Step 3: The AWO or ALO will do checks on your application. 

The AWO or ALO will need to verify that: 

  • Your close kinship or family relationship with the person
  • The family of the person who has died approves of you attending the funeral
  • There are no intervention orders in place stopping you from attending the funeral
  • The AWO or ALO will also indicate in your application if the family wants you to be a pallbearer at the funeral

Step 4: The AWO or ALO will give your application to the General Manager and send it to Naalamba Ganbu and Nerrlinggu Yilam. 

If each thing from Step 3 is verified, the AWO or ALO will give your application to the General Manager and send it to Naalamba Ganbu and Nerrlinggu Yilam.  

Naalamba Ganbu and Nerrlinggu Yilam notify senior staff at Corrections Victoria of all applications. 

Step 5: If there are multiple applications from people in prison to attend the same funeral, senior staff at Corrections Victoria will make a final list of who can attend.  

If there are applications from multiple Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in prison to attend the same funeral, you will need to be included in a final list made by senior staff at Corrections Victoria of who can attend. 

Generally, no more than 3 people in prison will be allowed to attend the same funeral, unless there is “a strong case for increasing the number, and safety, security and sensitivity of mourners can be managed”.  

When deciding on a final list, senior Corrections Victoria staff must consider: 

  • Security ratings of each person
  • The closeness of each person’s relationship with the person who died
  • Assessed risks
  • The number of escorting staff that will be required
  • Logistical issues 
  • The family’s wishes (Naalamba Ganbu and Nerrlinggu Yilam can contact family of the person who has died and ask for their preference)

Step 6: The General Manager of your prison will consider your application. 

If all things from Steps 3 and 5 have been verified, the General Manager of your prison will consider your application. 

Step 7: The AWO or ALO will let you know whether your application was accepted or refused. 

The AWO or ALO will usually be the person who lets you know whether your application got approved. If they can’t do it, it should be the General Manager or someone they choose who lets you know.  

If your application is approved by the General Manager. 

If your application is approved, the family of the person who died will be made aware of details for your attendance, including what escorts will be with you and whether handcuffs or other restraints will be used. 

If the family wanted you to be a pallbearer, but you will be wearing restraints, prison staff must let the family know so there is no confusion at the funeral.  

Arrangements will be made for your attendance at the funeral, including security escorts will be made. When these arrangements are made: 

  • Consideration must be given about whether an AWO or ALO could be involved in escort duties
  • Escorting staff should wear plain clothes or a plain jacket over their uniform
  • Escort officers are briefed the circumstances and procedures of the escort and the sensitivity and cultural significance of the funeral
  • If possible, escort officers hould meet the nominated family representative before the funeral service starts
  • Public view of restraints on you should be minimised
  • You will be able to wear plain clothes to the funeral

If your application is refused by the General Manager 

If your application is refused, the AWO or ALO can speak with Naalamba Ganbu and Nerrlinggu Yilam or ask senior Corrections Victoria staff to re-assess your application. If the senior Corrections Victoria staff refuse your application, Naalamba Ganbu and Nerrlinggu Yilam will let your General Manager know and give reasons. 

If your application is refused, the prison must consider alternative supports and activities for you to stay in contact with family, like: 

  • Support services at the prison
  • Additional welfare calls
  • Visits by Elders
  • A phone or video-conference with family
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