The Victorian Government will make it simpler for residents to register as organ and tissue donors, aiming to increase the number of lives saved through transplantation.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas tabled the Government’s response to a parliamentary inquiry into boosting organ and tissue donation, endorsing all 41 of its recommendations. Seventeen are supported in full, while 24 are backed either in principle or in part to improve Victoria’s donor registration rates. “Organ donation gives Victorians a second chance at life. We are taking immediate action to increase the number of donors across the state,” she said.
“Victoria has long been a leader in organ donation, saving and improving the lives of many Australians. This work will help us maintain that legacy and make a real difference to so many.”
Natalie Hutchins, Minister for Government Services, added:
“With more than 170 services available online, Service Victoria is making it easier and quicker for Victorians to access essential services every day.”
Immediate changes will include updates to Victoria’s driver licence system, prompting applicants to register with the Australian Organ Donor Register. By mid-2026, links to the registration site will also appear on various Service Victoria cards, including for digital driver’s licences. The Government has also recently launched a dedicated information page on the Service Victoria app and website, connecting users directly to DonateLife.
The initiative will also target communities with lower donor rates and provide specialist staff with training to hold compassionate and culturally sensitive conversations about organ donation.
In 2024, Victoria recorded the highest number of deceased organ donors in the nation, highlighting both the generosity of residents and the efforts of staff facilitating life-saving donations. However, the proportion of registered donors has fallen over the past three years, leaving Victoria below the national average and emphasising the urgency of the Government’s measures.
This work forms part of broader efforts to enhance donation and transplantation outcomes under the Organ and Tissue Authority Strategy 2022-27. Victorians can register to become organ and tissue donors at donatelife.gov.au/register-donor-today.
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