On 2 July 2008, the Australian Government announced a new National Reform Agenda, A World's Best Practice Approach to Organ and Tissue Donation for Transplantation.
The Government committed $151 million over four years to establish a nationally coordinated approach to organ and tissue donation processes. This work is being driven by the Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA), in partnership with states and territories, to improve access to life-saving and life-transforming transplants for all Australians in need through a sustained increase in the donation of organs and tissues.
In 2008 the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) endorsed the Australian Government's National Reform Package to implement a world's best practice approach to organ and tissue donation for transplantation.
The twin objectives of the National Reform Agenda are to:
- Increase the capability and capacity within the health system to maximise donation rates; and
- Raise community awareness and stakeholder engagement across Australia to promote organ and tissue donation.
The Organ and Tissue Authority (the Authority) was established on 1 January 2009, as part of the national reform package. The Authority's role is to establish - in partnership with states, territories, clinicians, consumers and the community - a nationally coordinated approach to organ and tissue donation for transplantation. The Authority is also responsible for administering funds to non-government organisations to provide essential associated services, aligned to its purpose.
