Anne Wilson, CEO and Managing Director of Kidney Health Australia said with only 5% of patients on dialysis lucky enough to receive a kidney transplant each year, any increase in donor levels is vital.

"While Australia is recognised as a world leader in transplantation medicine, the number of organ and tissue donations in Australia is low by global standards."

Ms Wilson said kidney transplants account for around 70% of all transplants conducted in Australia.  The average wait for a transplant is four years with seven years being common.

Dialysis demand is expanding at 6% a year - (50 people per week) and is the most common reason for hospital admissions.

 Dr Tim Mathew, Medical Director of Kidney Health Australia said because people can lose 90% of the use of their kidneys without experiencing any warning signs, Chronic Kidney Disease is a silent and deadly disease.

"Chronic Kidney Disease is increasing and has become a significant cause of death.  In 2008, diseases of the kidney and urinary system were the 10th leading cause of death in Australia with 3,224 deaths - more than breast cancer, suicide, and skin cancer or road accidents."

"There are over 18,000 Australians currently being treated for end stage kidney disease - dialysis or transplantation."

"The number of people on dialysis is projected to double to 20,000 by the year 2020," Dr Mathew said.