Exhumations

An exhumation is removing the remains of a deceased person from a burial site after a burial or interment has taken place.

The decision maker can decide to exhume a deceased person from a burial site so they can be:

• reburied
• cremated
• relocated.

Read the Burial and Cremation Act 2022.

Exhumations can also happen under other legislation, such as the Coroners Act 1993.

Declared infectious diseases

You must consult with the Chief Health Officer's office before arranging an exhumation if the:

• deceased person suffered from a declared infectious disease PDF (144.3 KB) before death
• exhumation is taking place within 6 months from the date of burial.

You can call 08 8999 2400 or email chiefhealthofficer.doh@nt.gov.au.

Exhumation from a cemetery

To arrange an exhumation from a cemetery, you must make an application by following these steps.

Step 1. Discuss and confirm in writing the proposed plan for the exhumation, transportation and relocation of the human remains with a funeral director and relevant cemetery manager.

Step 2. Fill in the form.

Exhumation form PDF (150.5 KB)
Exhumation form DOCX (74.1 KB)

Step 3. Email the form to burials@nt.gov.au.

Once the application is received, it will be considered. A proposed exhumation can only proceed if the application is approved.

Check the locations and contact details for cemeteries in the Northern Territory.

Exhumation from outside a cemetery

You will need to notify the department if you are exhuming a deceased person from a location outside a cemetery.

How to notify

You can notify online or by email.

Online

Go to Territory Services

Email

To notify by email, fill in and submit the below form with attachments to burials@nt.gov.au.

Exhumation notification form  PDF (181.7 KB)
Exhumation notification form DOCX (74.8 KB)

If some details are culturally sensitive, you don’t need to provide those details.

Once the notification is received, your information will be verified to make sure it's correct and complete.

Contacts