Page 632 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 9 March 2011
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Not only does this make your decision about organ donation clear but it also allows you to nominate just what you would like to donate. You can donate organs which include your kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, pancreas and tissue, which includes your heart valves, bones, tissue, skin and eye tissue. Registering your decision allows you to make clear your decision to medical personnel. But unfortunately you can leave the decision at that point.
As prompted by the “it’s OK” campaign, the final and possibly hardest step is to discuss. Everyone has their own personal reasons for making the decision to become a donor. And it is important to discuss these with the people close to you so that they understand your decision. If your family knows and understands your decision then they are much more likely to consent to a donation proceeding. It is important to remember that organ donation can only occur with your family’s consent. Indeed, I had this conversation again with my wife just the other night.
Currently over 40 per cent of Australians do not know the wishes of their loved ones. In bereavement, organ and tissue donation is not usually the first thing of concern upon a family’s mind. In a traumatic time, a decision to allow donation will always be easier if guided by the decision of one that has passed. The “it’s OK” campaign provides many suggestions on how to go about having this sensitive conversation with loved ones. But the most important thing to remember is that the right time is now. We do not, unfortunately, have control over when we die. In fact, most of us will go unexpectedly and suddenly. Therefore it is important not to put the question off.
I have talked about the work of the Gift of Life and DonateLife organisations in raising awareness about organ and tissue donation in the ACT. The Gift of Life organisation is the leading non-government body promoting awareness, education and support. I recently participated, on 23 February, in the DonateLife walk. I saw the minister there. Mr Rattenbury was there; I am not sure whether there were any other members.
Ms Bresnan: Ms Hunter.
MR HANSON: Ms Hunter was as well. Well done. I know that Senator Humphries was. I certainly saw Gai Brodtmann. I think other members of the federal government and the opposition were there. It was good that, again, we saw members of the Greens, Liberals and Labor getting out to support that event. And I actually had the pleasure of participating with Gary Humphries, who did that walk also—in fact, he made me run.
The president of the Gift of Life, David O’Leary, and his team must be congratulated on organising this fantastic event. Over 1,800 people walked around Lake Burley Griffin to show their commitment to organ and tissue donation and raise awareness so that others can make the important decision.
I also recently attended the organ donors awards that are held annually to recognise ACT citizens who have made a significant contribution in promoting organ and tissue donation. Again, I saw many members of the ACT Assembly at those awards.
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