For this reason, DonateLife Week aims to increase organ and tissue donation and transplantation outcomes across Australia.

Health minister Michael Ferguson said Tasmanians were very generous by nature, and very supportive of organ and tissue donation.

“This is evident in the comparatively high rate of 49 per cent of Tasmanians already registered on the Australian Organ Donor Register, which is the second highest in the country.

“While this is a fantastic show of support, all Tasmanians are being encouraged to consider registering during DonateLife Week.”

In 2017, the lives of 1675 Australians were transformed due to 510 deceased and 273 living organ donors and their families. 

More than 9600 people also benefited from tissue donation.

The most common procedures were kidney transplants, followed by liver and lung.

Mr Ferguson said about 1400 Australians were waitlisted for a transplant, with a further 11,000 people on dialysis who would benefit from a kidney transplant.

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“The process of joining the Australian Donor Register is now faster and easier than ever,” he said.

“You can use any mobile device, tablet or computer to visit donatelife.gov.au, where you can register in less than a minute.

“Once you’ve registered to be a donor, you need to tell your family and friends of your decision.

“Registering to donate leaves your family in no doubt about your decision, which can save lives.”

Mr Ferguson said statistics showed 90 per cent of families agree to organ and tissue donation proceeding when aware their loved one is a registered donor.

Aged Care and Indigenous Health Minister Ken Wyatt said while 81 per cent of Australians believed registering their decision was important, only 34 per cent have joined the Australian Donor Register.

“We know that registration has a direct impact on donation rates, with nine in ten families agreeing to donation when their loved one is registered to be an organ donor,” Mr Wyatt said.

“So, the question I’m asking Australians is: What are you waiting for? Register today.”

DonateLife Week runs from July 29 August 5.