The Albanese Government has appointed Ms Helen Grinbergs as the Chief Executive Officer of the Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA) for a five-year term from 1 October 2026.
Ms Grinbergs brings extensive experience to the position, having held a range of high-profile roles in aged care, and national and international health. Most recently, she led the work to establish the Australian Centre for Disease Control and was instrumental in leading work to support aged care during the pandemic.
The OTA leads the national DonateLife program which has helped more than 20,000 Australians to receive a lifesaving or life-changing organ transplant since 2009.
While 4 in 5 Australians aged 16+ support organ and tissue donation – only 1 in 3 are registered to donate. There are currently around 1,800 people on organ waitlists who need Australia’s help.
Registering as an organ donor only takes one minute. Australians are encouraged to Join the register | DonateLife and talk to their family about their decision.
Ms Grinbergs replaces Ms Lucinda Barry AM who has served as Chief Executive Officer of the OTA since 2017. Ms Barry’s contributions were recognised in 2023 when she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.
The Albanese Government thanks Ms Barry for her leadership and the significant contribution she made to give more Australians a second chance at life.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:
“I thank Ms Barry for her service and incredible contribution to the Australian community over the past decade as Chief Executive Officer of the Organ and Tissue Authority.
“I welcome Ms Grinbergs to the role and look forward to working with her to further improve organ and tissue donation and transplantation outcomes for Australians.
“Organ and tissue donation is an incredible act of generosity that can change someone’s life and the lives of the people that love them.
"I encourage every Australian to talk to their families about donation and register as a donor.”