Organ and Tissue Authority
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Thank you

To the generous Australians and their families who saved and transformed the lives of people needing a transplant through organ and tissue donation in 2018. We also acknowledge the dedication and commitment of our donation and transplantation specialist. Transplantation, and its life-changing benefits, would not be possible without this shared commitment to donation.

Frequently asked questions

What is organ and tissue donation?

Organ donation is a life-saving and life-transforming medical process.

Which organs and tissues can be removed?

Organs that can be transplanted include the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and pancreas.

Who can become an organ and tissue donor?

Almost everyone can help others through organ and tissue donation.

What is the difference between organ and tissue donation?

A far greater number of people have the opportunity to donate tissue for transplantation.

Why do people need transplants?

People who need an organ transplant are very ill or dying because an organ is failing.

How long do people wait for transplants?

Waiting times are usually between six months and four years, but there are cases where the recipient must wait even longer.

What is 'living donation'?

You can donate a kidney or part of your liver while you are still alive and healthy

What is paired kidney exchange?

Most kidney donation happens between people who already know each other. But sometimes it can be difficult to find a good match Their blood types have to correspond and their tissue must be compatible.

Is organ and tissue donation against my religion?

The uncertainty about whether someone's culture or faith supports organ and tissue donation can stop people from deciding about donation or talking about it with loved ones.

I lived in the UK during 'mad cow disease'. Can I donate my organs or tissue?

You may still be able to donate your organs, but not your tissue.

View all FAQs

News and events

Young Australians key to boosting national organ and tissue registration rates

Young Australians are being urged to join the Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR) as they are...

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Study of family experiences of organ and tissue donation released

The Organ and Tissue Authority today released the findings from Wave 3 of the...

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Recipients of the 2019 Community Awareness Grants announced

Today the recipients of the 2019 Community Awareness Grants were announced with $370,177 (ex GST...

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Opening address at the Connecting donation and transplantation: a decade of growth and collaboration conference

The Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP opening address at the Connecting donation and transplantation: a...

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$430K in grants now open for Organ and Tissue donation awareness

The Morrison Government today announced it is providing $430,000 in grants for community-based...

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Record 10,500 Australians benefit from Eye and Tissue Donation

The final report on organ transplantation in Australia shows...

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Lifesaving record as many more Australians say yes to gift of life

Australia has recorded a major increase in lifesaving and...

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Speech on the opening of the Gift of Life Garden

The Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP speech on the opening of the Gift of Life Garden, National Arboretum,...

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Garden Commemorates the Gift of Life

Australians now have a Gift of Life Garden in the national capital to acknowledge those affected...

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DonateLife Thank You Day - every organ and tissue donor makes a difference

Today, on DonateLife Thank You Day, we honour organ and tissue donors and their families across...

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What is DonateLife Thank You Day?

Sunday 18 November 2018 is DonateLife Thank You Day – a national day dedicated...

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CEO statement on the social media campaign “What would Jesus do.”

This social media campaign is not endorsed or funded by the Organ and Tissue Authority, nor has...

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Organ and tissue donation in Australia

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    Australia leads the world for successful organ and tissue transplants.

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    93% of families agree to donation when their family member was registered on the Australian organ donor register.

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    More than 1,400 Australians are currently waitlisted for an organ transplant.

Read the latest facts