Organ Donation Crisis: Australia Faces Declining Living Donor Rates, Thousands Face Lengthy Transplants
New figures paint a concerning picture for organ transplantation in Australia, revealing a persistent and troubling decline in donations from living donors. This downward trend is leaving thousands of Australians facing prolonged waits, some exceeding five years, for life-saving kidney transplants.
A living donor is a healthy individual who generously chooses to donate an organ to someone in need. These donations are particularly crucial for kidney transplants, as kidneys from deceased donors carry a higher risk of rejection by the recipient’s body, especially if there isn’t a close genetic match.
A recent report from Australia’s Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA) highlights the gravity of the situation. Last year, the number of living organ donations saw a significant drop of 9 per cent, falling to 230. This is in stark contrast to donations from deceased donors, which have more than doubled since the OTA’s inception 17 years ago, reaching 557 in 2025. However, over that same period, living organ donations have decreased by a substantial 35 per cent.
Chris Thomas, the chief executive of Transplant Australia, has labelled the lack of focus on living organ donation by authorities as a “national disgrace.” While acknowledging the significant improvements in deceased organ donation rates, he stressed that neglecting the potential of living donors is directly impacting and costing lives.
Over 1,500 Australians Awaiting Kidney Transplants Amidst Falling Donations
The consequences of this decline are starkly evident in the current waiting lists. More than 1,500 Australians are currently languishing on the waitlist for a new kidney, with their wait exceeding five years. This figure represents a fraction of the estimated 15,000 individuals who rely on kidney dialysis. Dialysis, a vital but demanding treatment, requires patients to undergo sessions two to three times weekly to filter waste and excess fluid from their blood, essentially performing the function their failing kidneys cannot.
Mr. Thomas emphasised that while dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment, it severely compromises the quality of life for those undergoing it. He described it as a form of living that is “really interrupted,” significantly curtailing opportunities for holidays, careers, social engagements, and even the simple act of living with one’s family.
National Strategy Lacks Essential Funding
The federal government established the OTA in 2009 with the mandate to coordinate organ donations nationwide. While the legislation governing the OTA encompasses both living and deceased donors, its funding has been exclusively directed towards increasing donations from deceased individuals.
A national strategy aimed at boosting all forms of organ donation, including a public awareness campaign, was endorsed by state and territory governments in late 2024. However, 18 months later, this crucial strategy remains unfunded. Transplant Australia is urging the government to provide the necessary financial backing to implement this strategy and, in doing so, save more lives through the invaluable gift of organ donation.
Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Rebecca White, acknowledged that increasing living donation is a primary objective of the national strategy. However, she did not provide a definitive commitment regarding potential funding in the upcoming federal budget.
A Mother’s Life-Giving Gift: A Story of Hope
Amidst this challenging landscape, the story of 20-year-old Amelia Hujber offers a powerful testament to the impact of living organ donation. Amelia, diagnosed with kidney failure and requiring a transplant, received a life-changing gift from her mother, Vanessa.
Vanessa, a nurse unit manager, was initially unaware that she could donate one of her kidneys to her daughter as a living donor. She, like many, believed that organ donation was only possible after death. Upon learning of the possibility and confirming her compatibility, Ms. Hujber felt no hesitation. “I just went, ‘No, I’m doing this for my daughter,'” she recalled. “I delivered her once, I’ll do it again to keep her alive.”
The mother-daughter pair underwent surgery at Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital in July. Amelia now describes feeling “like a normal person” and having a “new lease of life.”
Ms. Hujber understands that the concept of organ donation can be daunting for some, but she firmly believes the rewards far outweigh any apprehension. She hopes her experience will encourage others to consider the profound impact they can have. “You can change someone’s life,” she stated. “It’s amazing that I could do that again, bring her into the world once, and then now I’m supporting her again with her life. You would hope that anyone that loves their children or family can at least try, and that’s the main thing.”
