Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
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Released 18/06/2025
The ACT Government has today welcomed the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s announcement of significant and long-awaited changes to blood and plasma donation rules, which will make the donation process more inclusive and accessible for members of the LGBTIQA+ community.
From 14 July 2025, Lifeblood will remove most sexual activity wait times for plasma donations, allowing more Australians – including gay and bisexual men and transgender women – to donate plasma without delay, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has also approved a move to gender-neutral sexual activity assessments for blood donations, a shift expected to be implemented next year.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the changes mark a historic milestone for equality and inclusion in Australia’s healthcare system, particularly for the LGBTIQA+ community.
“These reforms are long overdue and represent a powerful step forward for equality, inclusion, and public health,” the Chief Minister said.
“For decades, the LGBTIQA+ community has faced unjust restrictions when it comes to blood and plasma donation. Today’s announcement brings us closer to a system that treats people fairly and values their contribution to our health system. I thank all those who have worked to bring about this change.”
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith acknowledged the years of advocacy and research that contributed to these changes.
“This announcement is the result of years of hard work by researchers, health professionals, and LGBTIQA+ advocates who have pushed for donation policies grounded in evidence and fairness,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“The plasma pathway is genuinely world-leading reform, but we know its development left many LGBTIQA+ people feeling frustrated and stigmatised when it came to blood donation.
“We thank Lifeblood for recognising the need for change and for taking steps to increase the donor pool while continuing to safeguard the health of those who receive blood and plasma.”
Minister Chris Steel, a long-time advocate for inclusive donation policies, said the new approach was not only fairer, but more effective.
“Common sense has prevailed in enabling thousands of gay men to safely contribute to Australia’s blood supply like other countries around the world,” Minister Steel said.
“The Australian Red Cross Blood Service currently relies on just three per cent of the population to maintain our nation’s blood supplies, yet Australia has been unnecessarily excluding thousands of healthy people in monogamous relationships from donating blood.”
“I’m proud to have supported this push for reform, and I welcome Lifeblood’s leadership in moving to a more inclusive, evidence-based approach.”
These reforms come at a critical time, with rising demand for plasma in Australia’s hospitals. Lifeblood anticipates the changes will enable an additional 24,000 donors and 95,000 more plasma donations each year. Eligible Canberrans are encouraged to consider donating blood or plasma. To book a donation, visit www.lifeblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.
– Statement ends –
Andrew Barr, MLA | Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases