- Published:
- Thursday 4 December 2025 at 6:23 am
The Allan Labor Government will make it easier for Victorians to register as organ and tissue donors – because every registration can save a life.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today tabled the Government’s response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into increasing the number of registered organ and tissue donors – outlining support for the report’s 41 recommendations.
The response outlines support for 17 of the Inquiry’s recommendations in full, with a further 24 supported either in principle or in part to boost Victoria’s registered donation numbers.
The Labor Government will take immediate action to expand donor registration pathways including updating Victoria’s driver licence system to prompt and direct people to sign up to the Australian Organ Donor Register.
Links to the registration website will also be added across several Service Victoria cards, including for those applying for a digital driver’s licence, by mid-2026. This is in addition to the recent launch of a dedicated information page on the Service Victoria app and website to connect users directly to DonateLife’s registration website.
The Government will also boost community awareness in areas where there are low donor rates and support specialist staff to facilitate compassionate and culturally appropriate conversations with Victorians.
In Victoria, the number of deceased organ donors, and lives saved, was the highest in the nation in 2024 – reflecting the generosity of Victorians and their families and the dedication of specialist staff who facilitate compassionate conversations to save and transform lives across the community.
However, in the past three years, the proportion of Victorians registered as donors has decreased, with the state’s registration rate on the Australian Organ Donor Registry now lower than the national average – reaffirming the need for urgent action to increase numbers.
The Government’s response is part of ongoing work to improve donation and transplantation outcomes, which includes the Organ and Tissue Authority Strategy 2022-27.
Victorians can sign up to become an organ and tissue donor by visiting donatelife.gov.au/register-donor-today.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
“Organ donation gives Victorians a second chance at life – that’s why we are taking immediate action to boost the number of donors across the state.”
“Victoria has long been a leader in organ donation, saving and improving the lives of many Australians – this work will help us maintain that legacy and make a real difference to so many.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Government Services Natalie Hutchins
“With more than 170 services available online, Services Victoria is making it easier and quicker for Victorians to access essential services every day.”