Backing for Australia's plan to boost organ donation
Updated
Australia's main opposition party has welcomed the government's $US130 million plan to boost organ donation and transplant rates throughout Australia.
Our reporter, Rebecca Hyam, says there are almost 2,000 Australians on transplant waiting lists with many more hoping to get onto waiting lists.
The prime minister, Kevin Rudd, says the bulk of the reform package will fund dedicated organ donation specialists in public and private hospitals, which will improve donor rates and access to transplants.
"Having the funding right, having the national strategy right and the proposal for a new national authority, for national independent leadership on this, we think is what's necessary," he said.
The opposition leader, Brendan Nelson, has praised the initiative as "very much a step in the right direction."
The new national organ donation and transplantation authority is expected to be set up by January next year.
