Page 2000 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 5 June 1990
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
These considerations are under way and may result in some amelioration of those shopping concerns that you have mentioned. The Government is conscious of the effect that the Melba redevelopment will have on the local shopping community, but this is an issue that was resolved before the Alliance Government came to power. It is clear on the face of it, given the level of vacancy at the Melba Flats in recent years, that the Melba Flats have been declining over the years as a source of local business. In fact, more than 100 flats have been vacant for some considerable time.
Organ Transplants
DR KINLOCH: My question is to the Minister for Health. I would really like to ask him about lung transplants, but I do not think that is necessarily within his area of expertise, so I will go immediately to the organ of the week. The organ of the week is the kidney. I refer the Minister to the fact that this is Kidney Week and cases have been reported in the media suggesting that the delay in the provision of human organs has threatened lives. I ask the Minister: what is being done to facilitate the availability of human organs for organ transplants?
MR HUMPHRIES: I thank Dr Kinloch for his thoughtful question on organs. I am aware that this is Kidney Week. The Australian Kidney Foundation is highlighting the need for Australians to be aware of the warning signs of kidney disease, including things like blood in the urine, severe pain in the loin or swelling of the legs and face. Perhaps Dr Kinloch has experienced some of these things in recent days in connection with a different illness. The foundation does suggest that early medical assistance should be sought in these circumstances.
I share Dr Kinloch's concern on the issue of organ transplants. When both kidneys fail, of course, a kidney transplant is often the most appropriate response. I have to say, Mr Speaker, that morally I doubt people's right to deny access to their physical remains when that effectively denies other people access to vital organs for their health. It is very important that the public be encouraged to make their organs available for transplant and that processes be established which facilitate the speedy identification and utilisation of the donated organs. I would urge all members of the Assembly to fill in and carry in their wallets or purses an organ donor card, should that be required if they were involved in an accident or an untimely early death.
My department is well advanced in the development of an ACT organ donor notification scheme. Officers of the department have been developing materials such as a donor card with an accompanying red sticker for placement on
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .