Consumers Health Forum of Australia

06/08/2025

The ABC recently spoke to a number of consumers who had disappointing experiences with a prosthetic eye-maker and have raised concerns about whether there needs to be better regulation of the prosthetic industry.

CHF is calling on the federal government to bring the sector together with consumers and clinicians to discuss reform.

"Australians deserve better than this, the system should protect them not leave them in the lurch when they really need support," our CEO, Dr Elizabeth Deveny, said.

Read more here:

The work of artificial eye maker Jack McDonald is again in question after more people come forward complaining about the eyes he has made for them.

05/08/2025

"Consumers want affordable, safe care. They want prevention and navigation support. They want action on the unfair gaps in health outcomes across population groups. All of these improve wellbeing and lift productivity."

CHF Board Chair, Tony Lawson, calls on government to recognise why health must have a seat at the upcoming Productivity Roundtable. In his latest opinion piece, he explains why this moment is critical for shaping a healthier, more productive Australia. Read more:

Consumers Shaping Health

31/07/2025

CHF has partnered with the Australian Digital Health Agency to develop a range of clear and simple resources to help you feel more confident managing your health information online. Our latest fact sheet, Privacy in My Health Record, is the third in a four-part series designed to build your digital health literacy and help you take control of your digital health.

This guide shows you how to manage your privacy settings in My Health Record and keep your personal health information safe and secure. Together, we’re making it easier for you to stay informed, protected and in charge of your health record.

Download the fact sheet today https://www.chf.org.au/our-work/projects/building-australian-s-digital-health-literacy

31/07/2025

It was fantastic for our CEO, Dr Elizabeth Deveny, and Board Chair, Tony Lawson, to be in Canberra this week as Australia celebrates a major milestone in healthcare affordability. The Albanese Government has announced it is cutting PBS medicine costs to a maximum of $25 from January 2026 - the lowest in over 20 years. This is a huge step forward in easing cost-of-living pressures through more affordable healthcare. And we’re proud to have played a part.

CHF have been championing affordability for a long time. And we’ve been a driver behind some big changes, like the PBS co-payment freeze, 60-day dispensing, and now, cheaper medicines. We don’t always shout our wins from the rooftops, but sometimes it’s important to speak up. We’re proud of this, and you should know that we’re working hard to make sure you have a seat at the table.

Because it is our job is to represent the interests of you, our Members and the community. When we’re in the room, we like to think you’re in there with us - and it's your voice helped shape this policy and drove this change.

And we’ll keep pushing to make affordability and access at the top of the agenda, where it belongs. Watch this space - we’re only just hitting our stride.

*Image is of Dr Elizabeth Deveny, CEO, CHF with The Hon Mark Butler, MP, Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and Tony Lawson, Board Chair, CHF.

29/07/2025

By tapping into what consumers know, and have experienced, researchers can help create health outcomes that actually help the people that need it most. Catherine Hughes AM, Director of the Immunisation Foundation of Australia, and Associate Professor Courtney Ryder from Flinders University and the University of Sydney’s Youth Well Lab, are working with consumers to boost vaccination rates and improve diabetes care and the health and wellbeing of young people. Read more about how they are doing below

Through leveraging the unique perspectives and experiences of consumers, researchers can improve health outcomes and ensure that their research benefits those it aims to help.

Director of the Immunisation Foundation of Australia, Catherine Hughes AM, is increasing vaccination coverage through consumer researcher partnerships.

Also, through effective co-design, Associate Professor Courtney Ryder from Flinders University and the University of Sydney's Youth Well Lab are improving health outcomes of diabetes and the health and wellbeing of young people, respectively.

Read more on these projects in our consumer case studies: https://ow.ly/xubp50Wnp0R

28/07/2025

Are you passionate about making sure the voices of health consumers are heard at every level of decision-making?

CHF is now accepting applications for one voluntary elected Board Director position for a three-year term.

To apply, you’ll need to be nominated by a current CHF Voting Organisational Member and complete a few forms - everything you need to do is explained in the info pack on our website.

Nominations will be reviewed and voted on by our Board and Voting Organisational Members, with with the successful applicant announced at our AGM on 28 October 2025. The successful applicant will commence in the role following this announcement.

If you’re someone with integrity, commitment and a drive to make a difference, this is your chance to make a real impact. Ready to learn more?

Visit: https://www.chf.org.au/about-us/board-and-governance/current-board-director-vacancies

28/07/2025

CHF joins our Member Hepatitis Australia in recognising today by calling for urgent action to eliminate viral hepatitis.

Nearly 300,000 people in Australia are living with viral hepatitis, and close to 1,000 Australians die each year from hepatitis B and C.

Australia has committed to eliminating hepatitis B and hepatitis C as public health threats by 2030 - but we won’t get there without action. We support Hepatitis Australia in its work to raise awareness, challenge stigma and ensure more people are tested, vaccinated and have access to ongoing care.

To find out more, visit: www.worldhepatitisday.org.au

24/07/2025

CHF stands with our Member Chronic Pain Australia to mark National Pain Week, from 21 to 27 July, and supports them as they call on the government to make pain a national health priority.

National Pain Week is Australia’s annual week of action, bringing greater awareness to the experience of living with chronic pain. By doing so, Chronic Pain Australia hopes to reduce the social and other barriers related to living and managing chronic pain.

In 2025, almost 5,000 people took part in the National Pain Survey, sharing their stories and helping build a clearer picture of what it means to live with chronic pain in Australia. Listening to real, lived experiences is essential for developing care that truly meets the needs of people living with chronic pain. That’s why the consumer voice must be at the heart of finding real solutions in all health care.

You can learn more about National Pain Week, read the National Pain Survey and learn about upcoming events and opportunities here: chronicpainaustralia.org.au/painchanger/

23/07/2025

We want to hear from you! When consumers take part in research, their insights can help guide the way to finding a cure.

Research can’t happen without consumers and communities, and CHF and the National Health and Medical Research Council - NHMRC are reviewing the Statement on Consumer and Community Involvement in Health and Medical Research. Find out more and have your say by completing the online survey via the link below

21/07/2025

At its core, research is about people. And when people get involved, we move faster towards breakthroughs, driving better health outcomes for everyone.

Our CHF Board Director Adjunct Professor Darryl O’Donnell highlights the incredible possibilities that come from working together to improve health outcomes for Australians.

We want you to have your say, and get involved today via the link below.

18/07/2025

CHF is proud to support our member, Diabetes Australia, this National Diabetes Week. Prevention matters, at every stage. Up to 58% of Type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed through simple lifestyle changes.

For those living with diabetes, staying connected with your healthcare and support team is essential to managing health confidently and effectively.

Learn more and access resources🔗 www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/ndw

17/07/2025

CHF is a big supporter of working with consumers in health and medical research, because their unique perspectives can lead to better health outcomes.

CP Achieve is an National Health and Medical Research Council - NHMRC funded Centre of Research Excellence that is dedicated to improving the lives of young people with cerebral palsy through research. Read about some of the success stories in this space via the link below

Involving consumers in health and medical research brings unique perspectives that can lead to better health outcomes.

CP - Achieve is an NHMRC funded Centre of Research Excellence that is dedicated to improving the lives of young people with cerebral palsy through research.

Read the success stories of CP Achieve and how they have effectively built partnerships in cerebral palsy research on our website: https://ow.ly/oxp750WnoUQ