UPDATE: The Victorian government is taking swift action to combat a troubling decline in organ donor registrations, as revealed by a recent parliamentary inquiry. Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas confirmed today that the state will implement measures in response to findings indicating a significant drop in donor registrations since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This urgent initiative comes as the inquiry’s final report, tabled in March 2024, highlighted a concerning trend: while Victoria recorded the highest number of deceased organ donors in Australia last year, the overall registration rate has fallen below the national average. Authorities report that around 80% of families agree to donation if their loved one is a registered donor, but that number plummets to 40% when families are unaware of their wishes.
The state government has announced full support for 17 out of 41 recommendations from the inquiry, aimed directly at reversing the decline. Key actions include updating Victoria’s driver license system to prompt applicants to join the Australian Organ Donor Register, and integrating links to the DonateLife registration website into various Service Victoria digital cards by mid-2026.
Already, a new information page on the Service Victoria app provides direct access to the registration website, enhancing user engagement and awareness. Additionally, the government will increase community outreach in areas with low donor rates, particularly targeting young Victorians to foster a culture of organ donation.
Minister Thomas stated, “Organ donations give Victorians a second chance at life – that’s why we are taking immediate action to boost the numbers of donors across the state.” She emphasized that maintaining Victoria’s legacy as a leader in organ donation is crucial to saving lives and improving health outcomes.
The government’s proactive measures mark a pivotal moment in addressing the urgent need for organ donors. As the situation develops, officials are urging residents to consider signing up as donors at donatelife.gov.au/register-donor-today.
As the urgency for organ donors grows, this initiative by the Victorian government aims not only to raise registration numbers but also to ensure that more families can benefit from the life-saving potential of organ donations. Stay tuned for further updates on this critical issue.
