Thanks to the generosity of 513 donors, and their families who ticked off donation, 1,396 Australians received a life-saving organ transplant last year, the 2023 Australian Donation and Transplantation Activity Report has revealed.

With a 13% increase in deceased organ donation, and a 14% increase in the number of people who received a transplant from 2022, the data is the strongest result seen since the onset of COVID-19 in 2020. But there is more to do, say advocates.

Only 55% of families said yes to donation in the hospital last year, down from 59% pre-pandemic. Around eight in 10 families say yes to donation if their family member is registered. This drops to four in 10 if their family didn’t know they wanted to be a donor.

Last month, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney, called on Australians to register and tell family that they want to be an organ and tissue donor.

“There are around 13 million Australians aged 16 and over who are eligible to register as an organ and tissue donor,” Ms Keaney said.

“I call on all Australians to use this as a reminder to register and tell your family that you want to be an organ and tissue donor. It’s easy and only takes one minute at donatelife.gov.au or on the Medicare app.”