Australian Story statement

For people who acquired HIV and hepatitis C infections from blood transfusions in the 1980s and early 1990s, the impacts have been profound and lasting. Some people tragically lost their lives, while others continue to live with the consequences. We recognise the pain, loss and hardship experienced by those affected and their loved ones, and our thoughts and compassion are with them.

The hepatitis C virus was first formally identified in 1988, and Australia was one of the first countries in the world to introduce hepatitis C antibody testing as soon as it became available in early 1990. Australia was also one of the first countries in the world to introduce HIV screening of blood donations in 1985. 

At the time, scientific and clinical understanding of the hepatitis C virus was still evolving. A 2004 Australian Senate Inquiry concluded decisions were made based on the best available evidence and knowledge at the time by the state and territory-run blood services. The national Red Cross Blood Service was not established until 1996. 

Australia’s blood services began contacting people identified as potentially affected by transfusion-related hepatitis C in the early 1990s, although limitations in this process were noted by the Senate Inquiry. 

While these events led to significant changes in blood banking in Australia and around the world, we cannot forget the harm they caused. They remain an important reminder of why we can never take blood safety for granted. Today, Australia has one of the safest blood supplies in the world through rigorous donor screening and blood testing, and patient safety remains our highest priority.