Queenslanders may soon notice a familiar feature returning to their driver licences: the option to record their decision about organ donation.
Years ago, driver licences included a marker showing whether a person intended to be an organ donor. That system was phased out in favour of the national Australian Organ Donor Register, managed by Medicare. Now, there is renewed discussion about reintroducing a visible prompt on licences to encourage more people to register their wishes.
In South Australia, you can still indicate your organ donor preference on your driver licence when obtaining or renewing it. The information is automatically transferred to the Australian Organ Donor Register.
A similar approach is likely to be adopted if the option becomes available again in Queensland.
The legally recognised consent still comes from registration on the Australian Organ Donor Register.
Families are typically consulted at the time of death, making it crucial that your loved ones are aware of your wishes.
Australia continues to face a shortage of donor organs and a simple conversation and formal registration can save lives. The key takeaway remains unchanged: register your decision online and talk to your family.
Trent Wakerley, director, Wakerley Legal, Level 3, Ocean Central, 2 Ocean Street, Maroochydore, 5443 9600, wakerleylegal.com.au
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