Page 1086 - Week 04 - Thursday, 21 May 2020
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a bill that is from a Labor backbencher, that then they resume debate, not the opposition. I would expect that you recall that Mr Barr but nonetheless!
This is a short bill but, no doubt, for some people this will make a big difference. It will provide for the official recognition of the gift of life from an organ or tissue donor. Often that gift grants life to more than one other person. It is a gift that can be provided in no other way and it is often made at a time of extreme emotion.
It is also a gift that currently has no official forum for recognition. And this bill will do that. It holds that, on request by a next of kin, the official register will include a statement that recognises and acknowledges that gift. As Ms Cheyne acknowledged in her presentation speech, the bill does not cover every single aspect of this complex and difficult matter, but it does provide a formal recognition for those families who choose this way to commemorate the gift their loved one has provided.
It is also a matter that drafting a bill like this has led to some amendments that are coming forward from the government. I can indicate that we will be supporting those amendments as well. They include a delay to ensure that the systems are in place to operate properly; a clarification of definitions; and removing the clause about receiving a letter from the Chief Minister, as I believe that can be done administratively and not necessarily through legislation.
As I said, we acknowledge the gift that is given in these circumstances. I think that this is an appropriate way to recognise that gift that is made and I thank Ms Cheyne for bringing this forward. I think all of us in this place recognise and acknowledge the significant thing that is done when a loved one makes a donation. It is a difficult time. And if this goes some way to helping and acknowledging the contribution that has been made by those individuals, then I think that is a good thing and I am very pleased to support this legislation.
MR RATTENBURY (Kurrajong—Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Minister for Corrections and Justice Health, Minister for Justice, Consumer Affairs and Road Safety and Minister for Mental Health) (2.52): This bill provides important recognition of the priceless gift that is made by tissue donors in our ACT community. For many family members, the knowledge that their loved one was able to help others to live full and happy lives can give meaning to an untimely and tragic death. The ability to receive formal recognition of this contribution can be hugely important, both to grieving families and to our community to express our gratitude for this gift and to raise the profile and support for tissue donation.
The government is supporting the bill, with some amendments to ensure that it can be implemented appropriately. The bill allows families of tissue donors to apply for a new death certificate from the registrar-general of births, deaths and marriages which specifically recognises that the deceased was a tissue donor. The bill would also allow the families to ask for a letter of acknowledgement from the Chief Minister. When presenting the bill, Ms Cheyne noted that not all donor families will want this formal recognition but, for those who do, a death certificate and a letter of acknowledgement will have real significance and meaning.
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