The Western Australian government is considering a new initiative to increase organ donor registrations by adding a QR code to driver's licence application forms. The move comes after data revealed that Indigenous Australians are nearly three times more likely to die from kidney disease than non-Indigenous Australians.
Health advocates have called for greater education about organ donation consent rates, particularly among Indigenous communities. The QR code would link directly to the Australian Organ Donor Register, making it easier for people to sign up when applying for or renewing their licences.
Currently, organ donation consent must be registered separately, which can be a barrier for many. The proposed change aims to streamline the process and boost registration numbers. Officials hope that the convenience of scanning a QR code will encourage more people to become donors.
The WA government is also exploring targeted awareness campaigns to address the lower consent rates among Indigenous Australians. Kidney disease disproportionately affects this group, and increasing organ donation could save lives.
