The Federal Government has welcomed the move by New South Wales to decommission its independent organ donation register and sign up to the national Australian Organ Donor Register.

 

Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Health and ageing Catherine King welcomed the decision by the State Government to decommission the NSW Roads and Maritime Services Organ Donor Register, saying it removed a significant barrier to organ donation.

 

“This move by NSW Government towards a single national register for organ and tissue donation will help increase organ donation in NSW, and could ultimately save lives,” Ms King said. 

“It aligns with the Australian Government’s National Reform Agenda to increase organ and tissue donation for transplantation.”

 

Federal Human Services Minister Kim Carr said a fully centralised system will allow for easier administration and will ensure a nationally consistent approach.

 

“The Australian Organ Donor Register – administered by the Department of Human Services – gives people access to the information they need to make a decision about donation,” Senator Kim Carr said. 

Ms King said people who register their donation decision on the Australian Organ Donor Register have access to extensive information about organ and tissue donation, whereas ‘ticking a box’ on a driver’s licence is a barrier to making a truly informed decision.

 

To register on the Australian Organ Donor Register go to www.donatelife.gov.au/decide or call 1800 777 203