Policy
The Commonwealth and state and territory governments fund the supply of blood products and services under the National Blood Agreement.
This includes ongoing funding of the statutory agency, National Blood Authority (NBA). The NBA manages and coordinates arrangements for the supply of blood, blood products and blood services. The NBA undertakes this role on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments.
Under the national blood arrangements, the NBA’s role is to deliver an uninterrupted supply of blood and blood products to Australians in need.
Under the National Blood Agreement, we make sure our blood and blood products are:
- safe and of high quality
- used and managed according to best practice, including reducing waste
- free to patients who need them
- entirely donated by volunteer donors to the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood (Lifeblood)
- in line with international obligations and standards.
The agreement also includes safe and effective non-blood, non-plasma medicine alternatives.
The Jurisdictional Blood Committee (JBC) provides advice and recommendations on blood policy issues to all Australian governments. The Commonwealth chairs the JBC and works with state and territory governments to achieve the best outcomes for the public.
The Australian Government is represented on the NBA’s Board. Board members advise the NBA General Manager (Chief Executive) on key strategic issues affecting the NBA and the broader blood sector.
Through the NBA we also support and monitor research to make sure our policies and programs follow the latest evidence and best practice.
Proposing changes to the national blood arrangements
Changes and additions to the products available under the national blood arrangements are subject to an approval process. Any decision to fund a new product or service is a joint decision of all governments.
Review of the national blood arrangements
In January 2025, the Commonwealth, on behalf of all Australian governments engaged an independent reviewer. The purpose was to conduct a review of the governance frameworks and administrative processes (Review) underpinning the national blood arrangements.
Read more about the Review.
Legislation
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates blood and blood products in Australia under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.
The Australian Government provides funding under the National Health Act 1953.
Blood and blood products in each Australian state and territory is regulated under the following legislation:
- Australian Capital Territory: Transplantation and Anatomy Act 1978
- New South Wales: Human Tissue Act 1983
- Northern Territory: Transplantation and Anatomy Act 1979
- Queensland: Transplantation and Anatomy Act 1979
- South Australia: Transplantation and Anatomy Act 1983
- Tasmania: Human Tissue Act 1985
- Victoria: Human Tissue Act 1982
- Western Australia: Human Tissue and Transplant Act 1982.
The National Blood Authority operates under the National Blood Authority Act 2003.
See other national legislation we administer.
Regulation and compliance
The Therapeutic Goods Administration regulates blood, blood components and plasma derivatives under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. This includes making sure that manufacturers uphold the manufacturing and product standards required by Australia.
Initiatives and programs
We fund other programs and initiatives to support Australia’s national blood arrangements:
- the Haemophilia Foundation Australia – works to improve care and support for people with haemophilia, von Willebrand Disorder, and other bleeding disorders
- the National Reference Laboratory receives funding from the Australian government to support blood safety initiatives, including research, quality assurance, and testing services.
Research
The NBA’s National Blood Sector Research and Development Program aims to:
- improve the sustainability and affordability of the national supply of blood products. This includes increasing efficiency and reducing the use and wastage of blood related product
- identify appropriate use of blood related products and reduce their inappropriate use
- maintain or enhance clinical outcomes for patients.
Lifeblood’s research and development program aims to:
- understand what motivates current and future donors
- maintain a sustainable blood supply from volunteer donors
- make sure manufactured blood products are safe and of high quality
- increase our manufacturing and testing capabilities
- improve our knowledge of transfusable blood products and how they interact with patients
- improve transfusion practice.
Lifeblood and the Kirby Institute’s Surveillance, Evaluation and Research Program monitors HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmissible infections. It helps us understand trends over time, and develop effective programs and policies.
Who we work with
The Australian Government and state and territory governments fund blood products and services, and set blood, blood services and blood products policy.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration is the regulator.
Our statutory authority, the National Blood Authority, manages and coordinates the supply of blood, blood products and blood services in Australia.
The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood collects, tests and processes fresh blood products.
The NBA negotiates and manages contracts for Australia's supply of blood and blood products and services. Manufacturers are responsible for producing safe and effective blood products. Lifeblood and CSL Behring make products for the Australian market, while various overseas manufacturers make products imported into Australia.
Contact
