MP urges all Victorians to consider organ donation

FINDINGS from a parliamentary inquiry into increasing the number of organ and tissue donors in Victoria were released recently.

Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland, deputy chair of the Legislative Assembly Legal and Social Issue Committee, spoke in Parliament to discuss the report.

“I want to thank everyone who entered submissions to the inquiry, and all those who spoke at our hearings,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Sharing your stories was integral to improving our understanding of the organ and tissue donation process.

“I hope it will lead to some real improvement in the number of donors, as well as the process itself.”

While Victoria’s organ donation rate is consistently above the national average, only 23 per cent of Victorians are registered to be donors.

Among young people the statistics are lower with only 10 per cent of people aged 16 to 25 registered on the Australian Organ Donor Register.

The report made several recommendations including having the option of registering when renewing a driver’s licence and increased promotion.

It also recommended increasing the number of organ and tissue specialists within healthcare services.

Ms Cleeland said it was imperative for the state government to adopt the recommendations.

“There is a desperate need to adopt all of these recommendations to improve and save Victorian lives,” Ms Cleeland said.

“I encourage everyone to register to be an organ and tissue donor, have conversations about it with friends and family members, and you can truly save lives.”

The full report can be found at: www.parliament.vic.gov.au/organtissuedonor-reports