What do Senator Derryn Hinch and Nationals Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker have in common?
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Answer: Both want to raise awareness about organ donation.
Speaking outside Parliament House in Canberra ahead of the Gift of Life DonateLife Walk 2017, Mr Hartsuyker announced his plan to ride from Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie on Saturday 5 August during Donate Life Week with a group of other motorcyclists to encourage Cowper residents to register as an organ donor.
“It’s a subject we sometimes find too confronting to discuss, but organ donation is an issue every Australian should consider,” Mr Hartsuyker said.
“Last year, at least 1,447 Australians received a life-saving transplant. That is almost double the number from 2009 when reform of Australia’s organ donation system began.
“Despite this significant increase, there are still around 1,400 Australians waiting for a transplant at any one time.
“Research shows that most Australians (around 69 per cent) are willing to become organ and tissue donors, but more than 60 per cent of Australians are not aware of their loved ones’ views on organ donation.
“The research also shows that almost all Australians (93 per cent) say they would uphold their loved ones’ views on organ donation, so it is vital that we all discuss our wishes with our families and loved ones.
“I know it is a difficult topic to discuss, but it is a discussion that must be had. There are lives depending on it.
“I want to thank Senator Derryn Hinch for his support for this initiative. As a transplant recipient himself, Senator Hinch understands the importance of organ donation first-hand.
“Tacking Point Lions Club has kindly offered to support the event, and I will be working with other community groups to make the event as successful as possible.”
You can register as an organ donor at www.donatelife.gov.au