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.
Decided or thought about becoming an organ and tissue donor?
Everyone has their own reasons for deciding whether to become an organ and tissue donor. It is important that the people close to you understand those reasons.
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Your family need to know your decision because they will be asked to give consent.
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Families that know each other’s donation decisions are more likely to uphold them.
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Families that do not know the wishes of the deceased are much less likely to agree to donation.
We ask you to Discover - Decide - Discuss - DonateLife™
Australian Government Initiative
- Discover the facts about organ and tissue donation
- Make an informed choice and Decide about becoming a donor
- Discuss your decision with those close to you and know each other’s wishes
Organ Donation Frequently Asked Questions Discover the facts about organ and tissue donation and discuss your decision with your family. Almost anyone can be an organ or tissue donor. Find out how and why and what you can do to save lives.
You may think you are too old or unhealthy to be a donor. Or that your religion doesn’t support organ and tissue donation. These are common myths and misconceptions.
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People aged less than 18 years can become organ and tissue donors, although consent will need to be obtained from a family member at the time of death.
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Anyone can donate organs and tissue – there is no age limit on the donation of some organs and tissue.
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While your age and medical history will be considered, you shouldn’t assume you are too young, too old or too unhealthy.
The Discussion Kit is a resource to assist your family to have an informed, memorable discussion about each other's donation wishes. Our network is the place to find out about services and support in your local area.
The DonateLife network is the place to find out about services and support in your local area.
Which organs and tissue can be donated?
Organs which can be donated are numerous: heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas. Tissue: heart valves, bone tissue, skin tissue, eye tissue, pancreas tissue - view The interactive Body: organs and tissues for transplant.
Australian Organ Donor Register To record your decision about becoming an organ and tissue donor for transplantation after death.
Without this card, your decision is not recorded with the Australian Organ Donor Register. Having an organ donor card in your name shows you are correctly registered and have consented to donate your organs and/or tissue and have verified this decision with your signature. 
News we really liked!!!
The Australian Organ and Tissue Authority was established on 1 January 2009 - A World's Best Practice Approach to Organ and Tissue Donation for Transplantation. It is an independent statutory authority within the Australian Government Health and Ageing portfolio. The purpose of the Authority is to establish - in partnership with states, territories, clinicians, consumers and the community - a nationally coordinated approach to organ and tissue donation for transplantation. The Authority is also responsible for administering funds to non-government organisations to provide essential associated services, aligned to its purpose.
Dr Gerry O’Callaghan appointed National Medical Director of the AODR Authority 28 February 2009
New Council on Organ and Tissue Donation Reform 24 February 2009
National Clinical Taskforce on Organ and Tissue Donation - Final Report
Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority Bill 2008 18 September 2008
World’s Best Practice National Reform Plan Newsletter Edition 1 September 2008
World’s Best Practice National Reform Package for Organ and Tissue Donation for Transplantation
Original announcement by Commonwealth Government 2 July 2008
Anne Wilson, CEO of Kidney Health Australia, said the announcement by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is not only important because of extra funding, but vital, as it signalled a whole new approach to managing the sensitive issue of transplantation with a comprehensive package of initiatives. The new organ transplantation initiatives are one of the most significant reforms for kidney patients on dialysis for the past decade.
Importantly, this will greatly assist in boosting the number of transplantations and help cut the cost of kidney disease in Australia. Dialysis costs Australian hospitals $83,000 per person per year, compared to the cost of a kidney transplant - $65,000 per recipient for the first year and $11,000 a year each year following.
Dr Tim Mathew, Medical Director of Kidney Health Australia said "there are some 1800 people waiting on the organ transplant list. Around 50% of all organ transplants carried out relate to the kidney. From a medical practitioner's point of view, the initiatives announced by the Federal Government will complement the work already being done in our hospitals, with hospitals being better resourced to greatly improve the quality of life of many Australians and their families"
Updated 1 July 2010
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