Consumers Health Forum of Australia

Consumers Health Forum of Australia We are the national peak body representing the interests of Australian healthcare consumers.

We work to achieve safe, quality, timely healthcare for all Australians, supported by accessible health information and systems. We do this by:

-advocating for appropriate and equitable healthcare

- undertaking consumer-based research and developing a strong consumer knowledge base

- identifying key issues in safety and quality of health services for consumers

- raising the health literacy of consumers, health professionals and stakeholders

- providing a strong national voice for health consumers and supporting consumer participation in health policy and program decision making

Do you live in a rural, regional or remote community? The Australian Senate is running an inquiry into how well Medicare...
15/01/2026

Do you live in a rural, regional or remote community?

The Australian Senate is running an inquiry into how well Medicare is working for people in rural, regional and remote areas.

We want them to hear about your experiences affording and accessing the healthcare you need.

Complete our short survey or join us for a voluntary online drop-in session on Jan 29 1pm-2.30pm AEDT to share your experiences and make sure our submission reflects what it's really like to live in your community.

Share your story here: https://ow.ly/jHvA50XX2uz

Have you or someone you know had a stem cell or bone marrow transplant? CHF and the Australian Commission for Safety and...
13/01/2026

Have you or someone you know had a stem cell or bone marrow transplant?

CHF and the Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Health Care are looking for a consumer with lived experience of these treatments to help review the technical pathology standard.

The standard outlines a safety and quality framework for the collection, storage, transport and issue of bone marrow or stem cells transplants.

Participants will need to attend up to five online meetings between February 2026 and June 2026.

For more information or to apply follow the link below: https://ow.ly/UgQE50XVVE5

Applications close 12pm AEDT 9 February 2026.

CHF and the Australian Commission for Safety & Quality in Health Care are looking for consumers with experience in prima...
13/01/2026

CHF and the Australian Commission for Safety & Quality in Health Care are looking for consumers with experience in primary or community care to attend six meetings between February 2026 and November 2026 to help update the guidelines for infection control & prevention in healthcare.

Applications close 27 January 12pm AEDT. To apply or learn more about the opportunity follow the link below.

https://ow.ly/wxS250XVUMH

30/12/2025

2025 has been full of bold advocacy, meaningful conversations and reforms helping more Australians afford and access the healthcare they need.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our work, shared their expertise and lived experience with us. We're heading into 2026 with determination, daring and energy.

The CHF team will be taking a break to rest and recharge over the holiday season. We'll be back in 2026 with even more g...
23/12/2025

The CHF team will be taking a break to rest and recharge over the holiday season.

We'll be back in 2026 with even more great content, sharing consumer stories and pushing for change.

Thank you for all of your support in 2025.

Are you a healthcare professional? Make sure to check out the partnering with consumers: for health professionals, page ...
19/12/2025

Are you a healthcare professional?

Make sure to check out the partnering with consumers: for health professionals, page on our website here: https://www.chf.org.au/partnering-with-consumers-for-health-professionals.

It helps you to learn about best practice for engaging with consumers, the different types and levels of engagement and has plenty of useful resources for you to continue your learning.

CHF is pleased to announce Lucy Clyne as a newly appointed Director on our Board. Lucy Clynes is the CEO of Hepatitis Au...
18/12/2025

CHF is pleased to announce Lucy Clyne as a newly appointed Director on our Board.

Lucy Clynes is the CEO of Hepatitis Australia . She has extensive peak body governance experience and a track record of building strategic partnerships to achieve policy and funding outcomes. She was previously a practicing lawyer. Lucy sits as a member of the Australia Government’s Blood Borne Virus and Sexually Transmissible Infections Standing Committee.

CHF is pleased to announce David Blair as a newly appointed Director on our Board.David Blair has worked across senior f...
17/12/2025

CHF is pleased to announce David Blair as a newly appointed Director on our Board.

David Blair has worked across senior finance and leadership roles in both the commercial and for purpose sectors in the UK, Hong Kong and Australia. David is the Chair of the Northern Territory Primary Health Network, a board member of St John Ambulance Northern Territory, CASPA Services Ltd, Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation and serves as an Independent Member of the Tiwi Islands Regional Council’s Audit and Risk Management Committee.

We know the cost of healthcare is hitting everyone hard, especially at this time of year. Are you feeling it too? ❓Are y...
16/12/2025

We know the cost of healthcare is hitting everyone hard, especially at this time of year. Are you feeling it too?

❓Are you struggling to pay for tests, medicines or private specialist care?
❓Have you had to make tough choices about your health due to cost?
❓Has the cost of services changed when, where, or whether you get care?

CHF wants to hear from you.

Right now, CHF is running a national survey on how healthcare costs are affecting people’s lives. We’ve been speaking publicly about affordability pressures, rising specialist fees, long waits, and the way too many people are delaying or going without care. But the most important voice in this conversation is always yours.

Register to be part of our Australian Health Panel to join the conversation and have your say. The more people who participate, the stronger our case for change.

CHF celebrates International Universal Health Coverage Day today, and commends the theme of this year; focusing on the l...
12/12/2025

CHF celebrates International Universal Health Coverage Day today, and commends the theme of this year; focusing on the lived experience and communities behind the statistics.

This is a vital perspective that needs to be at the forefront of all healthcare policy to ensure healthcare truly is affordable, accessible and universal.

We join the calls of Universal Health Coverage Day and will continue to work to make sure everyone's story counts when shaping health systems.

CHF recently made a submission to the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing's review of My H...
11/12/2025

CHF recently made a submission to the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing's review of My Health Record's legislative instruments.

Legislative instruments are the laws that inform how My Health Record operates, including how you can opt in or opt out, who can upload and how your data is stored.

As My Health Record is designed to make health information and systems accessible to consumers and facilitate person-centred care, we believe that any changes to My Health Record need to be informed by meaningful consumer consultation. This will help ensure it remains appropriate, robust and fit for purpose.

You can read our full submission here: https://www.chf.org.au/our-work/submissions/chf-s-final-submission-to-the-review-of-my-health-record-legislative-instruments

Stigma and discrimination remain some of the biggest challenges facing Australian healthcare consumers today. These barr...
10/12/2025

Stigma and discrimination remain some of the biggest challenges facing Australian healthcare consumers today. These barriers don’t just affect attitudes they have real consequences, preventing people from accessing the care they need and deserve. Addressing these issues is critical to creating a health system that is fair, inclusive, and responsive to all.

Our recent CHF Talks webinar shone a spotlight on this important topic, bringing together diverse voices and lived experiences.

This was a truly powerful session that challenged many attendees to reflect on their own beliefs and attitudes. It reinforced the urgent need for systemic change and greater empathy across the health sector.

Thanks to all of our panelists; Saba, Ally, Priscilla and Lucy.

If you missed the live webinar, don’t worry a recording is available now. We encourage everyone to watch and join the conversation about breaking down stigma and discrimination in healthcare.

https://youtu.be/u89arwpnXf8

Address

Level 5, 15 Moore Street
Canberra, ACT
2601

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61262735444

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