Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher

The Albanese Government is encouraging more Australians to register as an organ and tissue donor this DonateLife Week and give a second chance to those in need.

DonateLife Week is held annually to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation and encourage discussions between families and loved ones.

Around 1,800 people are currently on the organ transplant waitlist, and around 14,000 more are on dialysis but may benefit from a kidney transplant. Every day, these Australians wait for a life-changing phone call to say a match has been found.

It only takes one minute to register as an organ and tissue donor online through your Medicare account in myGov or the myGov app, or at donatelife.gov.au.

Since September 2024, nearly 190,000 Australians have added their digital organ donor card to their myGov app wallet – a simple step that also allows you to easily manage your donation preferences.

Despite the majority of Australians supporting organ and tissue donation, only a third are currently registered on the Australian Organ Donor Register – highlighting just how important DonateLife Week is.

This year, DonateLife Week is running from Sunday 27 July to Sunday 3 August 2025. For more information visit donatelife.gov.au

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Government Services Katy Gallagher:

“Although most Australians support organ and tissue donation, many never take the quick and easy step of signing up and changing a life.

“I encourage everyone to consider registering – it only takes one minute and a few clicks using your Medicare online account in myGov or the myGov app. You can also register through the DonateLife website.

Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Rebecca White:

“Around eight in ten families say yes to donation when you are registered, but this drops to four in ten when they don’t know what you want.

“This DonateLife Week, we want all Australians to register as organ and tissue donors and be the reason someone else gets a second chance.

“Then, talk to your family and let them know you want to be a donor. It could save somebody’s life.”