Families of West Australian murder victims are being offered $8000 towards the cost of their funeral under a new scheme introduced by the state government.
The Homicide Funeral Assistance Scheme will apply to deaths where the cause was murder, manslaughter or unlawful assault causing death that occurred after January 1 this year.
Previously, eligible victims would need to make an application through the Criminal Injuries Compensation scheme.
Funeral directors will liaise directly with the WA government on the families' behalf.
"Rather than have to go into debt or reach out through crowd funding, families will be able to access an up-front payment, payable through their chosen funeral director," Attorney-General John Quigley said on Monday.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"I hope that this payment will allow bereaved parents, friends and relatives to concentrate on grieving their loved ones, and not worry about how to pay for a funeral."
