More than 600 people from Australia and overseas will take part in the 11th Australian Transplant Games, which were opened in Perth today by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Jan McLucas.
It is the first time Western Australia has hosted the Games. It is also the first time that the Games competition has been open to tissue recipients (such as heart valves, corneas, tendons and bones).
Senator McLucas said it was a privilege to open the Games, which she described as “living proof” of the effectiveness of organ and tissue transplants.
“Everyone here has first-hand experience of the life-changing effect of organ and tissue transplantation,” she said.
“Transplantation has saved or significantly improved the quality of life of the many recipients and their families who are taking part in the Games. The families of donors who made the ultimate gift to save others are taking part to celebrate the lives and legacy of their loved ones.
“While Australia is a world leader in clinical results for transplant patients, its success at transplantation has not been matched by the supply of organs available for transplantation. More than 1,800 Australians are waiting for an organ transplant at any given time.
"The Rudd Government has heard the call to improve our donation and transplantation system to save lives.
"We are investing a record $151.1 million – including new funding of $136.4 million – over the next four years to introduce a new world’s-best-practice approach to organ and tissue donation.”
These measures include:
- $67 million to fund dedicated organ donation specialist doctors and other staff in public and private hospitals
- $46 million to establish a new national approach to organ and tissue donation in Australia, including the creation of: a national authority to drive and coordinate national organ donation initiatives; and a network of organ and tissue agencies
- $17 million in new funding for hospitals to meet additional staffing, bed and infrastructure costs associated with organ donation
- $13.4 million to continue national public awareness and education
- $1.9 million to support the families of deceased donors.
Senator McLucas said implementation of the reform package was making good progress.
The Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority will be established on 1 January 2009, subject to the passage of legislation. The necessary legislation passed the House of Representatives without amendment and will be considered by the Senate in the coming weeks.
“Increasing community awareness about donation is an essential part of the reform package," she said.
"Together, governments and the community need to give Australians clear, factual and relevant information about organ and tissue donation, and build public confidence in Australia’s new donation system, which will ultimately lead to more people agreeing to donate their organs and tissue to save and improve the lives of others with the consent and support of their families.
“Australian governments have focussed their attention on this issue and this has helped to increase public awareness and discussion and are determined to work together and with the sector and community to improve Australia’s performance.
"The national organ donor rate in 2008 is showing an increase. There were 175 deceased organ donors by the end of August this year, compared to 198 for the whole of 2007.
“These are encouraging figures but we need to continue to build on them. The Government’s national plan, led by the authority, will do just that.
“I applaud Transplant Australia for its role in raising awareness of organ and tissue donation and transplantation and in working constructively with the Government to highlight the need for a new approach.
“I congratulate the participants in the Games who show what can be achieved through a decision to donate.
“I encourage every Australian family to discuss organ and tissue donation, and for individuals to discuss their decision to be a donor with family and friends,” Senator McLucas said.
The Transplant Games continue until 11 October.