Under the Act the functions of the Trust were defined as follows:;;;;(a) to manage and ensure the efficient and effective operation of the business of the Trust in the southern area; ;;(b) to establish a cemetery or crematorium as may be required for the business of the Trust; ;;(c) to improve, embellish, enlarge or diminish any cemetery operated by the Trust; and ;;(d) to maintain in good order any cemetery or crematorium operated by the Trust. ;;;;The Act also defined that in conducting its business, the Trust may provide for the cremation or interment of persons who, immediately before their death, resided in the southern area and such other persons as the Trust may approve. ;;;;The Land Acquisition Act 1993 applied in relation to the purchase or taking of land by the Trust for the purposes of a cemetery or crematorium or for any incidental purpose.;;;;The Trust, with the consent of the Minister, was also granted the power to lease any portion of a cemetery under its control for the purpose of the erection and maintenance of a crematorium in accordance with the Burial and Cremation Act 2002.;;;;The Southern Regional Cemetery Act 1981 was repealed under the Government Business Enterprises (Sale) Amendment Act 2007 and in July 2008, Millingtons Funeral Directors took over the Trust's role. ;;;;The State's interests under the Burial and Cremation Act 2002 continue to be administered by the Department of Premier & Cabinet.;;