The Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA) recently released our inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). We are dedicated to increasing access to life-changing organ and tissue transplantation for all Australians.
Our ‘Reflect’ RAP is the first step towards building stronger connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through continuous learning. We aim to foster these connections to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.
OTA CEO and RAP Champion, Lucinda Barry AM, recognises that this is just the start of our journey.
‘Organ failure is debilitating and often life-ending. An organ transplant is the optimal treatment for those with organ failure – giving the chance to return to a full and healthy life with family and being able to contribute to community,’ says Lucinda.
‘The incidence of kidney failure experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continues to be disproportionally higher than non-Indigenous Australians. The best treatment for kidney failure is a kidney transplant and there are inequities in the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with kidney failure being waitlisted for a transplant. There is also inequity in having the chance to receive a living kidney donation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.’
Through our RAP, we aim to improve our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories so that we can build stronger connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Through our learnings we aim to foster these connections and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.
Our hope for reconciliation is to improve the health outcomes for all Australians, build strong connections to community and create a culturally safe working environment.
Read the OTA’s Reflect RAP and find out more about our commitment to reconciliation.
