Page 308 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 1 March 1994
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Mr Kaine: On what basis, Minister?
MR BERRY: Because it is commercial-in-confidence and we have reached a deal with VITAB. Our understanding - - -
Mr Cornwell: It does not stack up, Minister.
MR BERRY: It stacks up, all right, because we have the money in the bag. It is commercial-in-confidence. It was an agreement between VITAB and us. While that commercial-in-confidence position is observed by both parties, it will be observed by us.
Mr Kaine: What have you got to hide, Minister?
MR BERRY: Not a thing.
Organ Donations
MRS GRASSBY: My question to the Deputy Chief Minister has nothing to do with VITAB; it is about organ donation. Are there any moves to promote organ donation in the ACT?
MR BERRY: The Australian Coordinating Committee for Organ Registries and Donation - ACCORD is their name - is a national committee established by the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council, AHMAC. It was established in 1989 to develop and implement strategies to overcome the low rate of organ donation in Australia. A public awareness campaign was held between March and June 1993 and a further media campaign is planned for July-August 1994. The contribution by the ACT will provide for advertising air time by the regional stations that focuses on increasing the yield of organs for donation, the distribution of donor cards and stickers, and the encouragement of family discussion.
That issue of family discussion is important. While individuals may choose to donate their organs, it is the practice for health professionals to discuss this matter with family members before taking organs for further use. This is very important. Anybody who anticipates that they might donate their organs in the event of their demise ought to take it up with their family and make it clear to their family that, come that point of discussion, they agree. It has been brought to my notice that sometimes families might well be reserved about the question and, at a time of such trauma, it is unlikely that health professionals would push the point. I think we can all accept that. This issue of family discussion is something that really has to be promoted out there in the community. It is not good enough just to get a sticker, put it on your licence and hope that somebody will find that; you have to tell everybody what you are on about. ACCORD will forward to all States a full report on the progress of the campaign, including a financial statement, one month prior to the campaign and at the completion of the campaign.
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