The Law

Hands holding a pile of rich, dark soil above a background of more soil.

The laws governing human body disposition are different in every state and territory in Australia. Both the ACT and Tasmanian governments have ‘enabling legislation’ in place to allow for body disposition options other than traditional burial and cremation. Human body composting is considered one such option. In neither jurisdiction are there specific regulations in place yet.

On June 25, 2026, Alex Greenwich, MP, Independent member of the NSW Legislative Assembly, introduced a Bill to amend the NSW Public Health Act to allow composting of human bodies. Residents of NSW are encouraged to contact their State MP by email, phone or in person to urge them to support this Bill, which will be voted on in September, 2026.

We will be working with other state and territory governments to amend current legislation or introduce new legislation that specifically approves human body composting in these jurisdictions.

To help us demonstrate the support among voters for non-profit human composting to Australia’s State and Territory governments, please:

Join Our Human Composting Fanclub to receive updates about changing the law in your state or territory and follow Earthly Legacy’s journey, and

Fill In Our Short Survey about why you would like human composting to become an option for you and/or your loved ones.