Crossbench senator Derryn Hinch has broken down in parliament, pledging to improve organ donor rates in honour of the man who saved his life by giving him his liver.
The 72-year-old said he had no idea after receiving a lifesaving liver transplant in 2011 that he would one day be in a position to help lift organ donor rates.
Speaking on legislation to change the governance of Australia's organ donation authority, which cleared parliament on Thursday, Senator Hinch vowed to fight for one million more people to sign on as organ donors in honour of his donor, Heath Gardner and his family.
He choked up recalling the moment Heath's family discussed donating his organs.
"That's why Derryn Hinch is standing here now," he said.
"That's why five years later I'm now in a position that I can do something about it.
"I intend to keep that promise."
Senator Hinch said he was told he would likely have lived another two weeks if it weren't for the transplant.
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