The Voluntary Register

To complete an application:

• Fill out the application form.

• Provide proof of identity. This includes certified copies of 2 documents verifying your identity, such as:
  • driver licence
  • passport
  • birth certificate
  • marriage certificate
  • Medicare card
  • bank card.
• Submit your completed form and certified copies of ID documents to the Donor Conception Registrar.

This information will be used to identify the correct donor code(s) applicants are connected to.

A match occurs when 2 or more people share a connection to the same donor codes(s).

If a match is found, a letter is issued explaining:

• a new match has been identified
• the role of the other connected person (for example, donor, donor conceived person or their parent/relative)
• consent is required before continuing.

No personal information is shared at this stage.

If no match is identified

If no match is identified at the time of application:

• the person's details remain on the Voluntary Register
• matching continues in the background
• a match may occur months or years later if another person connected to the same donor code(s) applies
• the person is notified if a new match is found.

There is no need to reapply or renew the application.

If more than one match is identified

Some people have connections to more than one person through donor conception. In these situations:

• each match receives its own Match ID (a unique ID used to identify a pair, so no personal information is shared)
• each match follows its own separate process
• different decisions may be made for each match, depending on the nature of the connection.

This ensures that each connection is managed independently, with clear safeguards and consent.

For each match, a Match Participation Consent form is issued. This form relates to the specific match and asks whether the matched person wishes to continue.

The process continues only when both people provide consent.

If a person declines or does not respond, the match does not progress, and the other person is notified.

If a person does not respond with in the required timeframe, they will be prompted once by the Department. Any person can request more time to consider their options.

The Department respects each person's right to decide if and when they wish to share information. The Department will never request anyone to change their decision or preferences.

When all matched parties consent to proceed, each person is invited to complete a Statement of Reasons. This occurs at the time a match is identified, rather than at the time of the initial application, so the content reflects the person's current circumstances and wishes.

This form allows matched individuals to:

• introduce themselves
• describe their reasons for joining the Voluntary Register
• outline what information they may wish to give or receive
• indicate the type of connection or contact they may consider
• tailor their response based on the type of match.

Completed Statements of Reasons are exchanged with matched people.

Completing this form is not mandatory, but it is strongly encouraged, as it supports informed decision-making.

After Statements of Reasons have been exchanged, matched individuals are invited to complete an Information to Share form. This form specifies exactly what the Donor Conception Registrar may disclose.

Information may include:

• a message or letter
• background or personal details
• health or medical information
• photos or supporting documents
• contact details (optional).

Different contact details may be nominated for each match and can be different to the contact details the Department uses to keep in touch about the application.

Only the information selected on the form will be shared.

The Donor Conception Registrar will disclose the Statement of Reasons and the Information to Share form, and any attachments provided when they are received.

Each participant decides what, if anything, is shared, and some participants may choose to only receive information without providing their own.

Once the Information to Share form has been exchanged between both people, the Department does not facilitate further contact. Any future communication occurs privately and voluntarily between the individuals involved.