'Now I can help': Newcastle councillor welcomes Lifeblood changes to donation rules

The Advertiser

16-07-2025

GROWING up, Newcastle Labor councillor Declan Clausen heard Lifeblood's calls for donors.
As a gay man, he wasn't allowed to help.
"Not because my blood wasn't safe, but because of outdated rules rooted in stereotypes and stigma," he said.
"Being denied the opportunity to help others in need has always felt deeply unfair."
As of this week, he can make his first plasma donation after Australian Red Cross Lifeblood removed most sexual activity wait times for life-saving plasma donations.
The change means many gay and bisexual men, transgender people, sex workers, and people on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can now help save lives.
For decades, donor rules prevented many people from the LGBTQIA+ and sex worker communities from donating plasma if they had sex within the past three months.
Cr Clausen has long championed reform, and said the changes introduced this week were a major step forward.
"I've always believed that blood donation policies should be based on actual risk, not outdated assumptions tied to identity," he said.
"They [the changes] recognise the science, and will finally allow thousands of Australians, including me, to contribute."
Plasma, the "liquid gold" part of blood, is the donation type most needed by Australian patients, with treatment for more than 50 medical conditions reliant on its supply.
In Newcastle and Maitland alone, about 100 plasma donors are still needed every day, seven days a week.
Newcastle Pride committee member Krys Sutton has been in a long-term, committed relationship.
Mr Sutton said he was disappointed he could not donate when Lifeblood put the call out, and expected it would take time for trust to be rebuilt with the LGBTQIA+ community.
"I think it's something that everyone should do because they can, and it's free," he said.
"Once the legislation changes [around blood donations], we can come through and do this, be part of the community and give back. I think that's really important."
The new rules mean about 625,000 Australians may become eligible to donate plasma, and Lifeblood expects about 95,000 extra plasma donations will be made each year.
The changes mean those on PrEP will become the first in the world to donate plasma without a wait period.
Cr Clausen said what made Australia's system particularly special was that it relied on the generosity of voluntary, unpaid donors.
"The need is real, and now that I'm eligible, I'm proud to help," he said.
"Once the broader changes to blood donation rules come into effect next year, I absolutely intend to donate blood too.
"Donating blood and plasma to help save lives shouldn't depend on who you love. It should depend only on whether you're healthy and willing to give."
Over the next 12 months, Lifeblood estimates an extra 24,000 donors will give plasma.
Lifeblood chief executive officer Stephen Cornelissen said patient safety would always be Lifeblood's top priority, and that extensive research and modelling had shown the changes can be implemented without compromising the safety of Australia's blood supply.
"While the rules were put in place to ensure a safe blood supply in the past, we know they have contributed to the stigma faced by many and hope today will be a turning point for Lifeblood and the LGBTQIA+ community and that people will feel welcome to come forward to donate their life-saving plasma," he said.
Lifeblood has made changes to blood and platelets donation eligibility, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently approving a submission to remove gender-based sexual activity rules.
The changes, known as gender-neutral assessments, are expected to be introduced next year.
Once implemented, all donors will be asked the same questions about sexual activity, regardless of gender or sexuality, and most people in a sexual relationship of six months or more with a single partner will be eligible to donate blood.
Lifeblood's chief medical officer, Jo Pink, said its submission to change rules for blood donation included data that showed, for now, a six-month wait was the safest option for Australian patients.
Dr Pink said Lifeblood was committed to reviewing the wait as more evidence became available.
"There are many steps that Lifeblood needs to take before we can implement the new gender-neutral assessments, including working with state and territory governments to change the donor questionnaire," she said.
"We hope to be able to implement this part of the changes next year."
To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood App.
GROWING up, Newcastle Labor councillor Declan Clausen heard Lifeblood's calls for donors.
As a gay man, he wasn't allowed to help.
"Not because my blood wasn't safe, but because of outdated rules rooted in stereotypes and stigma," he said.
"Being denied the opportunity to help others in need has always felt deeply unfair."
As of this week, he can make his first plasma donation after Australian Red Cross Lifeblood removed most sexual activity wait times for life-saving plasma donations.
The change means many gay and bisexual men, transgender people, sex workers, and people on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can now help save lives.
For decades, donor rules prevented many people from the LGBTQIA+ and sex worker communities from donating plasma if they had sex within the past three months.
Cr Clausen has long championed reform, and said the changes introduced this week were a major step forward.
"I've always believed that blood donation policies should be based on actual risk, not outdated assumptions tied to identity," he said.
"They [the changes] recognise the science, and will finally allow thousands of Australians, including me, to contribute."
Plasma, the "liquid gold" part of blood, is the donation type most needed by Australian patients, with treatment for more than 50 medical conditions reliant on its supply.
In Newcastle and Maitland alone, about 100 plasma donors are still needed every day, seven days a week.
Newcastle Pride committee member Krys Sutton has been in a long-term, committed relationship.
Mr Sutton said he was disappointed he could not donate when Lifeblood put the call out, and expected it would take time for trust to be rebuilt with the LGBTQIA+ community.
"I think it's something that everyone should do because they can, and it's free," he said.
"Once the legislation changes [around blood donations], we can come through and do this, be part of the community and give back. I think that's really important."
The new rules mean about 625,000 Australians may become eligible to donate plasma, and Lifeblood expects about 95,000 extra plasma donations will be made each year.
The changes mean those on PrEP will become the first in the world to donate plasma without a wait period.
Cr Clausen said what made Australia's system particularly special was that it relied on the generosity of voluntary, unpaid donors.
"The need is real, and now that I'm eligible, I'm proud to help," he said.
"Once the broader changes to blood donation rules come into effect next year, I absolutely intend to donate blood too.
"Donating blood and plasma to help save lives shouldn't depend on who you love. It should depend only on whether you're healthy and willing to give."
Over the next 12 months, Lifeblood estimates an extra 24,000 donors will give plasma.
Lifeblood chief executive officer Stephen Cornelissen said patient safety would always be Lifeblood's top priority, and that extensive research and modelling had shown the changes can be implemented without compromising the safety of Australia's blood supply.
"While the rules were put in place to ensure a safe blood supply in the past, we know they have contributed to the stigma faced by many and hope today will be a turning point for Lifeblood and the LGBTQIA+ community and that people will feel welcome to come forward to donate their life-saving plasma," he said.
Lifeblood has made changes to blood and platelets donation eligibility, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently approving a submission to remove gender-based sexual activity rules.
The changes, known as gender-neutral assessments, are expected to be introduced next year.
Once implemented, all donors will be asked the same questions about sexual activity, regardless of gender or sexuality, and most people in a sexual relationship of six months or more with a single partner will be eligible to donate blood.
Lifeblood's chief medical officer, Jo Pink, said its submission to change rules for blood donation included data that showed, for now, a six-month wait was the safest option for Australian patients.
Dr Pink said Lifeblood was committed to reviewing the wait as more evidence became available.
"There are many steps that Lifeblood needs to take before we can implement the new gender-neutral assessments, including working with state and territory governments to change the donor questionnaire," she said.
"We hope to be able to implement this part of the changes next year."
To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood App.
GROWING up, Newcastle Labor councillor Declan Clausen heard Lifeblood's calls for donors.
As a gay man, he wasn't allowed to help.
"Not because my blood wasn't safe, but because of outdated rules rooted in stereotypes and stigma," he said.
"Being denied the opportunity to help others in need has always felt deeply unfair."
As of this week, he can make his first plasma donation after Australian Red Cross Lifeblood removed most sexual activity wait times for life-saving plasma donations.
The change means many gay and bisexual men, transgender people, sex workers, and people on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can now help save lives.
For decades, donor rules prevented many people from the LGBTQIA+ and sex worker communities from donating plasma if they had sex within the past three months.
Cr Clausen has long championed reform, and said the changes introduced this week were a major step forward.
"I've always believed that blood donation policies should be based on actual risk, not outdated assumptions tied to identity," he said.
"They [the changes] recognise the science, and will finally allow thousands of Australians, including me, to contribute."
Plasma, the "liquid gold" part of blood, is the donation type most needed by Australian patients, with treatment for more than 50 medical conditions reliant on its supply.
In Newcastle and Maitland alone, about 100 plasma donors are still needed every day, seven days a week.
Newcastle Pride committee member Krys Sutton has been in a long-term, committed relationship.
Mr Sutton said he was disappointed he could not donate when Lifeblood put the call out, and expected it would take time for trust to be rebuilt with the LGBTQIA+ community.
"I think it's something that everyone should do because they can, and it's free," he said.
"Once the legislation changes [around blood donations], we can come through and do this, be part of the community and give back. I think that's really important."
The new rules mean about 625,000 Australians may become eligible to donate plasma, and Lifeblood expects about 95,000 extra plasma donations will be made each year.
The changes mean those on PrEP will become the first in the world to donate plasma without a wait period.
Cr Clausen said what made Australia's system particularly special was that it relied on the generosity of voluntary, unpaid donors.
"The need is real, and now that I'm eligible, I'm proud to help," he said.
"Once the broader changes to blood donation rules come into effect next year, I absolutely intend to donate blood too.
"Donating blood and plasma to help save lives shouldn't depend on who you love. It should depend only on whether you're healthy and willing to give."
Over the next 12 months, Lifeblood estimates an extra 24,000 donors will give plasma.
Lifeblood chief executive officer Stephen Cornelissen said patient safety would always be Lifeblood's top priority, and that extensive research and modelling had shown the changes can be implemented without compromising the safety of Australia's blood supply.
"While the rules were put in place to ensure a safe blood supply in the past, we know they have contributed to the stigma faced by many and hope today will be a turning point for Lifeblood and the LGBTQIA+ community and that people will feel welcome to come forward to donate their life-saving plasma," he said.
Lifeblood has made changes to blood and platelets donation eligibility, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently approving a submission to remove gender-based sexual activity rules.
The changes, known as gender-neutral assessments, are expected to be introduced next year.
Once implemented, all donors will be asked the same questions about sexual activity, regardless of gender or sexuality, and most people in a sexual relationship of six months or more with a single partner will be eligible to donate blood.
Lifeblood's chief medical officer, Jo Pink, said its submission to change rules for blood donation included data that showed, for now, a six-month wait was the safest option for Australian patients.
Dr Pink said Lifeblood was committed to reviewing the wait as more evidence became available.
"There are many steps that Lifeblood needs to take before we can implement the new gender-neutral assessments, including working with state and territory governments to change the donor questionnaire," she said.
"We hope to be able to implement this part of the changes next year."
To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood App.
GROWING up, Newcastle Labor councillor Declan Clausen heard Lifeblood's calls for donors.
As a gay man, he wasn't allowed to help.
"Not because my blood wasn't safe, but because of outdated rules rooted in stereotypes and stigma," he said.
"Being denied the opportunity to help others in need has always felt deeply unfair."
As of this week, he can make his first plasma donation after Australian Red Cross Lifeblood removed most sexual activity wait times for life-saving plasma donations.
The change means many gay and bisexual men, transgender people, sex workers, and people on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can now help save lives.
For decades, donor rules prevented many people from the LGBTQIA+ and sex worker communities from donating plasma if they had sex within the past three months.
Cr Clausen has long championed reform, and said the changes introduced this week were a major step forward.
"I've always believed that blood donation policies should be based on actual risk, not outdated assumptions tied to identity," he said.
"They [the changes] recognise the science, and will finally allow thousands of Australians, including me, to contribute."
Plasma, the "liquid gold" part of blood, is the donation type most needed by Australian patients, with treatment for more than 50 medical conditions reliant on its supply.
In Newcastle and Maitland alone, about 100 plasma donors are still needed every day, seven days a week.
Newcastle Pride committee member Krys Sutton has been in a long-term, committed relationship.
Mr Sutton said he was disappointed he could not donate when Lifeblood put the call out, and expected it would take time for trust to be rebuilt with the LGBTQIA+ community.
"I think it's something that everyone should do because they can, and it's free," he said.
"Once the legislation changes [around blood donations], we can come through and do this, be part of the community and give back. I think that's really important."
The new rules mean about 625,000 Australians may become eligible to donate plasma, and Lifeblood expects about 95,000 extra plasma donations will be made each year.
The changes mean those on PrEP will become the first in the world to donate plasma without a wait period.
Cr Clausen said what made Australia's system particularly special was that it relied on the generosity of voluntary, unpaid donors.
"The need is real, and now that I'm eligible, I'm proud to help," he said.
"Once the broader changes to blood donation rules come into effect next year, I absolutely intend to donate blood too.
"Donating blood and plasma to help save lives shouldn't depend on who you love. It should depend only on whether you're healthy and willing to give."
Over the next 12 months, Lifeblood estimates an extra 24,000 donors will give plasma.
Lifeblood chief executive officer Stephen Cornelissen said patient safety would always be Lifeblood's top priority, and that extensive research and modelling had shown the changes can be implemented without compromising the safety of Australia's blood supply.
"While the rules were put in place to ensure a safe blood supply in the past, we know they have contributed to the stigma faced by many and hope today will be a turning point for Lifeblood and the LGBTQIA+ community and that people will feel welcome to come forward to donate their life-saving plasma," he said.
Lifeblood has made changes to blood and platelets donation eligibility, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently approving a submission to remove gender-based sexual activity rules.
The changes, known as gender-neutral assessments, are expected to be introduced next year.
Once implemented, all donors will be asked the same questions about sexual activity, regardless of gender or sexuality, and most people in a sexual relationship of six months or more with a single partner will be eligible to donate blood.
Lifeblood's chief medical officer, Jo Pink, said its submission to change rules for blood donation included data that showed, for now, a six-month wait was the safest option for Australian patients.
Dr Pink said Lifeblood was committed to reviewing the wait as more evidence became available.
"There are many steps that Lifeblood needs to take before we can implement the new gender-neutral assessments, including working with state and territory governments to change the donor questionnaire," she said.
"We hope to be able to implement this part of the changes next year."
To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood App.