Date: 1 November 2024

 

The NIKTT Secretariat welcomes the release of the National Strategy for Organ Donation, Retrieval, and Transplantation, endorsed by all Australian governments. This strategy is a major milestone in the journey toward equitable kidney care and transplantation access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

 

Media Release

NIKTT Media Release - National Strategy for Organ Donation and Transplantation

 

In our media release, we share our response to the strategy's release and emphasise the importance of implementation to make these commitments a reality for Community.

 

About the National Strategy

The National Strategy for Organ Donation, Retrieval, and Transplantation outlines four key priorities to improve access to life-saving transplants and create a more equitable system for organ donation and transplantation in Australia:

1. Greater national coordination of the organ donation, retrieval, and transplantation system

2. Equitable access for all Australians needing a transplant, with particular emphasis on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people living in rural and remote areas

3. Enhanced organ retrieval and transplantation capabilities and capacity

4. Improved data collection and reporting systems.

 

We’re especially encouraged that the Strategy and the Transition Action Plan highlight the need to leverage NIKTT’s work—our findings, consultations, and priorities—to guide actions that will enable this Strategy to bring about real change. 

 

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View the National Strategy

 

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For more details on the strategy, visit the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care website:

• National Strategy for Organ Donation, Retrieval, and Transplantation

  • Download the PDF here​

• Assistant Minister Kearney's media release about the Strategy

 

NIKTT’s Role in Driving Change

NIKTT has been a champion for equitable kidney care and transplantation access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This strategy directly aligns with our mission to create culturally safe, community-driven kidney care that respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' voices, values, and perspectives.

 

Our Next Steps

With the strategy’s release, NIKTT is committed to advocating for:

• Ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with kidney failure and transplantation play a governing role in deciding strategic actions

• Collaborating with Community, government, and healthcare providers to drive implementation

• Tracking progress through data and consultations to ensure the strategy delivers meaningful change.

 

For More Information or Media Inquiries:

Contact Katie Cundale, NIKTT Program Manager:

katie@anzdata.org.au