"At present, approximately 2,000 Australians are waiting for a kidney transplant, though only about 500 transplants are performed each year" (Dr Duncan Chappell, Trends and Issues, No. 30). Organ and tissue transplantations, in support of people suffering severe of life threatening illnesses, may well mean an additional chance at life or enhanced quality of life. Laws in regard to transplantations are in place in Australia; nevertheless they are not effective as a consequence of the processes implicated in gaining consent. By following the example of other countries and undertaking the `opt out' system, as a method of improving the current transplantation practices, the transplant patients awaiting surgery, organs or tissue transplantation may possibly benefit.

The existing laws inhibit the progression of gaining permission in the occurrence of a death in conditions from which organs for donation may perhaps be gained. Considerations presented as recommendations in a review of the existing legislation...