If the Turnbull Government does not fund the Supported Leave for Organ Donors program it will be an incredibly cruel decision, and a blow to supporting Australians to give the gift of life by becoming a living organ donor.
The Government has been notifying families and stakeholders that funding will cease on June 30, and for support to be received, living organ donor surgery must be complete by this date.
With less than three months left until the funding ends, families going through this process need certainty now and the Government can’t string them along any longer.
Shadow Minister for Health and Medicare, Catherine King, said becoming an organ donor is an incredibly generous and amazing sacrifice and this program should not be on the table for Budget savings.
“Labor established the Supported Leave for Organ Donors program in recognition of the financial stress experienced by living organ donors, and I’m very concerned the Government has it in their sights for budget savings,” Ms King said.
“Some living donors may be required to take leave without pay, or may exhaust their paid leave entitlements. This can lead to financial stress and donors may feel pressured to return to work – that’s why this program is really important.
“We know there are families currently undergoing the living organ donor process who are only just learning that the funding will cease.
“It’s not good enough for the Government to say they will provide further detail in the Budget – families need to have information now.”
MONDAY, 10 APRIL 2017