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Home > Ministers > The Hon Catherine King MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing > Media Hub > Speech - National Launch of ‘DonateLife…The Greatest Gift’ Community Education Resources and DonateLife Statement of Support book

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PDF printable version of Speech - National Launch of ‘DonateLife…The Greatest Gift’ Community Education Resources and DonateLife Statement of Support book (PDF 238 KB)

National Launch of ‘DonateLife…The Greatest Gift’ Community Education Resources and DonateLife Statement of Support book
Customs House, Circular Quay

13 March 2013

E&O Only

[ACKNOWLEDGMENTS OMITTED]

I am delighted to be here this evening and I extend to you all a warm welcome.

The ‘DonateLife…the greatest gift’ community education campaign celebrates Australia’s diversity of faith and culture.

This important new campaign highlights the potential we each share – the potential to give the greatest gift as an organ and tissue donor.

It also recognises the possibility we each share of one day, ourselves, needing a transplant to live.

While we each have the potential to donate life, in reality very few will have the opportunity to do so.

Less than one per cent of people who pass away in hospital each year do so in the specific circumstances where organ donation is possible, although many more have the potential to become tissue donors.

One organ and tissue donor can transform the lives of ten or more people.

In 2012, Australia achieved its highest number of deceased organ donors and transplant recipients to date.

This is a welcome achievement.

However, we know that there is more to be done to improve our rate of donation and transplantation outcomes.

Research commissioned by the Organ and Tissue Authority found that many Australians are unsure if their culture or faith supports organ and tissue donation.

This uncertainty is a key barrier to making a decision about organ and tissue donation, or sharing that decision with loved ones.

To support Australians of diverse faith, culture and language, the Organ and Tissue Authority embarked on the development of a new campaign.

The aim of this campaign is to facilitate access to culturally appropriate information that will support family conversations and decision-making about organ and tissue donation.

The importance of organ and tissue donation transcends faith, culture and language.

Over the past couple of months, many religious and community leaders have generously met with the Organ and Tissue Authority to discuss organ and tissue donation from their faith or cultural perspective.

In each instance, organ and tissue donation was considered as an act of giving which helps to preserve the sanctity of life.

These leaders play a crucial role within their communities in providing information and guidance and, most particularly, support through times of illness, loss and grief.

Tonight we celebrate the culmination of your guidance and support through the launch of the ‘DonateLife…the greatest gift’ community education campaign kit.

The community education kits are being distributed to over five hundred (500) community and faith organisations including resources for those of Buddhist, Jewish, Islamic, Hindu, Catholic and Greek Orthodox faiths.

To the religious and community leaders with whom we have met to date, your ongoing support by promoting access to these resources in your communities is greatly appreciated.

To those who are now being introduced to the ‘DonateLife…the greatest gift’ campaign, I encourage you to join us by supporting this important campaign.

I encourage you to also embrace the campaign kit, which provides you with a range of resources to assist you in engaging with your communities on this important topic.

One of the most important components of the ‘DonateLife… the greatest gift’ campaign is the DonateLife Statement of Support, a collection of statements from faith and cultural leaders in support of organ and tissue donation.

I thank those who have generously worked with us in the development of this collection of statements, and who have signed a Statement in support of organ and tissue donation.

I look forward to seeing the number of Statements and related resources grow as consultation continues with the various different faith and cultural groups in Australia.

I note, this is the start of this campaign only, and we look forward to continuing to bringing the organ and tissue donation message to more cultural and religious communities in Australia.

I encourage guests here today to view the book of Statements and, for other faith and cultural leaders here today, to consider including a statement from your community.

I encourage all Australians to learn more about organ and tissue donation so that they are able to make an informed decision about their personal wishes concerning donation, and so that they are able to discuss this with their families.

Thank you.

ENDS