The Australian Organ and Tissue Authority was established on 1 January 2009 and was established as part of the Australian Government's national reform package - refer to A World's Best Practice Approach to Organ and Tissue Donation for Transplantation.
The Authority 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.
 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. The national reform program provides an unprecedented opportunity to transform and save more Australian lives.
Discover - Decide - Discuss - DonateLife™ an Australian Government Initiative
To record your decision about becoming an organ and tissue donor for transplantation after death go to Australian Organ Donor Register. Remember to tell your partner, family or friends about your decision as evidence has repeatedly illustrated that if your intent about organ donation is known, then your family has a far easier task. If they do not know, they are left with complex decision making process, at an already very difficult time.
Without one of these cards, your decision is not recorded with the Australian Organ Donor Register. This card shows you are correctly registered and have consented to donate your organs and/or tissue and have verified this decision with your signature.
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.
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. Anyone can donate organs and tissue – there is no age limit on the donation of some organs and tissue. While your age and medical history will be considered, you shouldn’t assume you are too young, too old or too unhealthy.
News we really like!!!
World’s Best Practice National Reform Plan for Organ and Tissue Donation for Transplantation
The Australian Government is investing a record $151.1 million – including new funding of $136.4 million – over the next four years to introduce a new best-practice organ and tissue donation and transplantation system. The aim is to increase Australians’ access to organ transplants and to save lives. Our new national plan is a significant one for the 1800 Australians who need an organ transplant and are waiting for the phone call that will bring the gift of life. It also marks a significant time for the organ and tissue donation and transplantation sectors and heralds a new partnership between the sectors and all Australian governments.
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"
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