Gai Brodtmann (Canberra, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This morning the shores of Lake Burley Griffin were a sea of pink, yellow and white, as thousands of Canberrans turned out to take part in the annual Gift of Life's DonateLife Walk around the lake. It was fantastic to see so many Canberrans. There were students from St Clare's, Merici, Narrabundah College, Grammar and the ANU. There were people from the private sector and the public sector. There were thousands of Canberrans out there showing support for organ and tissue donation. It was a wonderful event. It has gone from strength to strength. It is bigger and better every year.

Members know of my keen interest in organ and tissue donation and transplantation matters. I have seen firsthand the difference that transplantation can make to those who have been incredibly ill. I have also seen the difference it can make to families who take that enormous and difficult decision to donate their loved one's organs. Many of them gain comfort knowing that something good has come from a sudden, unexpected and tragic death. They know they are saving and improving the lives of others. It is a selfless decision at a time of tragedy. I urge all members to continue to take a leadership role on this important issue. We need to ensure our loved ones are aware of our decision to donate our organs and tissues.