Mission & Justice

Julia Medew; 2210/08 (2 Items)

The Federal Government is considering national guidelines on organ donation after cardiac death, because of inconsistent policies among states and territories. Senator Jan McLucas, who oversees the Government’s organ donation policy, yesterday said all governments would discuss the introduction of consistent guidelines this year before the new Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority begins operation in January. In Australia, organ donation is possible after cardiac death - when the circulation of blood has ceased - if it is known death is imminent and there is no chance of survival. But two sets of guidelines, written by the National Health and Medical Research Council and the NSW Department of Health, clash on what is permitted in such circumstances.

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Ruth Ostrow; 23/8/08

Earlier this month I was invited to what might be considered a strange event. A leading international businessman hosted what was described on the invitation as an event to celebrate “An occasion of Happiness” in Sydney for a gathering of his Australian friends; many of whom were corporate identities. The celebration felt like a wedding or engagement party. Guests were seated at tables in a lovely hotel; it was beautifully catered. But while there was speculation as to the “real reason” for the event, including the host’s birthday which was coming soon, he maintained that he merely wanted to “celebrate life, love and those close to me”.

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Sharon Gray; 22/7/08

Some years ago four people very close to me died, almost in a row. Writing about it here attracted the attention of a then new grief and bereavement organisation, where I still volunteer. Death is my old friend. Last week we hosted the eighth International Conference on Grief and Bereavement in Contemporary Society. Heart-wrenching stories from six bereaved individuals preceded the keynote speakers - psychologists and a social worker with many, many diagrams. These are the two arms of a developing science, well-grounded within the context of the most common sample group: white, middleclass, middle-aged widows in developed countries. (Not much colour among the 680 mostly female delegates from 17 countries attending 174 presentations.)

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