The Victorian government is moving to make it easier for people to register as organ and tissue donors after a parliamentary inquiry found the state’s registration rate is now lower than the national average.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, tabled the government’s response on 4 December, outlining support for 41 recommendations to address the decline in the proportion of registered donors over the past three years.
Key actions the government will take include updating the Victorian driver licence system to prompt and direct people to sign up to the Australian Organ Donor Register, and adding links to the registration website across several Service Victoria cards, including those for a digital driver’s licence, by mid-2026. The government will also boost community awareness in areas with low donor rates and support specialist staff to facilitate compassionate and culturally appropriate conversations.
“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,” Ms Thomas said.
While Victoria recorded the highest number of deceased organ donors in the nation in 2024, the government acknowledged the urgent need to increase registration numbers.
Victorians can register to become a donor at donatelife.gov.au/register-donor-today.
