Luke Howarth (Petrie, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Will there be anything left of me? That was the question I asked when I recently popped in to see a team from my local CUA. They were staffing an organ donor drive at Dolphins, the Redcliffe Leagues Club, and I soon found myself adding my name to the Organ Donor Register. I felt a bit of a goose asking, but I wanted to know. 'What if my family wanted an open casket—will I still look the same?' is a common question asked by those joining the register, and I do not know why, but I was reassured to hear the answer is yes.

I encourage all those I can to join the Australian Organ Donor Register. One donor can save the lives of 10 Australians. It is encouraging to know that Australia is a world leader for successful transplant outcomes and that we are seeing record numbers of life-saving transplants. Last year 503 deceased organ donors gave 1,447 Australians a second chance at life, up by 17 per cent on the year prior. It is an easy thing to do to sign the register, but make sure your family know your wishes as well.

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