The Australian Government has appointed two new members – including an organ transplant recipient – to the Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority (OTA) Advisory Board.
Mr Michael O’Neill and Dr Fiona Mackie join existing Chair Dr Helen Szoke AO and members Ms Kelli Owen and Mr Terry Slevin.
Professor Carol Pollock AO (deputy chair) and Mr Oren Klemich have also been reappointed to the Board.
These appointments strengthen the OTA’s ability to draw on a broad range of knowledge and expertise to support the Australian Government’s national program to improve organ and tissue donation across the country.
The OTA leads the national program to increase organ and tissue donation so more Australians can access a lifesaving transplant. The Board provides strategic advice to the OTA Chief Executive Officer.
Mr Michael O’Neill brings both lived experience as an organ transplant recipient and as a senior health executive with experience across government, healthcare and professional services.
Dr Fiona Mackie is a paediatric nephrologist with more than 24 years of experience as a senior clinical researcher and leader in clinical transplantation and organ donation.
More than half – 57 per cent – of the OTA Board are women, in line with the government’s gender equality ambitions under Working for Women: A Strategy for Gender Equality with women.
More details about the work of the OTA and how to become an organ and tissue donor are available at donatelife.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:
“I welcome the appointment of Mr Michael O’Neill and Dr Fiona Mackie to the OTA Advisory Board and look forward to working with the Board to further enhance the Australia’s DonateLife national program, so even more Australians have access to a life-changing transplant.
“By strengthening the range of expertise on the Board, we are further supporting a system that benefits donors, recipients and families across Australia.
“The Albanese Government is committed to improving organ and tissue donation so more Australians can access lifesaving transplants.
“It takes one minute to register as an organ donor, but it can mean a lifetime for someone else. I urge all Australians to talk to your family and loved ones and to take a minute and register via donatelife.gov.au or through Medicare.
“One organ donor can save the lives of up to 7 people and help many more through eye and tissue donation.”