History

The Adelaide Cemeteries Authority came into being in 2002, following the enactment of the Adelaide Cemeteries Authority Act, 2001. This legislation repealed the Enfield General Cemetery Trust Act, 1944, and the West Terrace Cemetery Act, 1976 and placed administrative responsibility for Cheltenham Cemetery, Enfield Memorial Park, and West Terrace Cemetery in the hands of the new Authority. In 2002 the Authority acquired Smithfield Memorial Park.

Statutory responsibilities and accountability

Responsibilities

The Authority is governed by a Board under the control and direction of the Minister for Urban Development and Planning.

The primary functions of the Authority under the Adelaide Cemeteries Authority Act 2001 are:

1. the administration and maintenance of the following as public cemeteries:
   1. Cheltenham Cemetery;
   2. Enfield Memorial Park;
   3. West Terrace Cemetery;
   4. Smithfield Memorial Park; and
2. the administration and maintenance of any other cemetery established or acquired by the Authority; and
3. the burial or other disposal of human remains in an Authority cemetery; and
4. activities associated with the heritage or historical significance of an Authority cemetery; and
5. any other function assigned to the Authority by or under this or any Act, or by the Minister.

Relevant legislation

Adelaide Cemeteries Authority Act 2001 (SA)
Public Corporations Act 1993 (SA)
Local Government Act 1999 (SA)
Local Government (Cemetery) Regulations 1995 (SA)
Cremation Act 2000 (SA)
Cremation Regulations 2001 (SA)
Public Finance and Audit Act 1987 (SA)
Heritage Act 1993 (SA)
Development Act 1993 (SA)
Adelaide Park Lands Act 2005 (SA)

Accountability

Charter
The Authority’s amended Charter came into effect upon signing thereof by both the Minister and Treasurer on the 9th April 2006.