As reported in our April update, we have been contacted by constituents concerned about the current rate of organ donation across the state and the importance of ensuring Queenslanders have clear and accessible pathways to register themselves as organ donors.

To maximise the participation rate, constituents have suggested reinstating the ability to opt in to organ donation registration via drivers’ licence applications or renewals. As raised previously, this would align with South Australia’s policy, which has continued its driver licence registration scheme and currently records a registration rate of 74%, the highest in the country.

In light of this suggestion, we sought an update from the Minister for Customer Services, Open Data, and Small and Family Business. The Minister’s office has provided the following advice:

The Government is taking steps to raise awareness and encourage organ donation. This includes:

  • providing a direct link for Queenslanders to register as an organ donor through the Queensland Digital Licence;
  • promoting DonateLife campaign materials in Customer Service Centres, and
  • incorporating information into in‑store video loops.

In relation to reinstating the driver licence registration option, the Minister’s office confirmed:

The Department of Customer Services, Open Data, and Small and Family Business is examining options to reinstate the choice to register as an organ donor, as part of renewing a drivers’ licence. This work is currently underway, and the Minister will have more to announce sometime in the next financial year.

We welcome the Government’s commitment to examine the best way forward for potential organ donors to register their interest and enable greater take-up of organ donation.

We will continue to seek updates from the Minister regarding implementation timeframes and any system changes required to support the reinstatement of the licence‑based registration option and provide further updates to the community once new information is available.

Further Information

To register as an organ and tissue donor visit: www.donatelife.gov.au/register-donor-today

Should you wish to advocate directly with the Ministers responsible for this issue you can contact:

the Minister for Customer Services and Open Data at: customerandbusiness@ministerial.qld.gov.au

or the Minister for Transport and Main Roads at: transportandmainroads@ministerial.qld.gov.au

Please copy our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au and forward any responses you receive.

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