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

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

Great to see Guardian Australia continuing this important conversation about specialist care in Australia.“When costs fl...
08/12/2025

Great to see Guardian Australia continuing this important conversation about specialist care in Australia.

“When costs fluctuate or communication breaks down, people are forced into impossible choices," Dr Deveny told the Guardian.

"It’s not about individual specialists being ‘good’ or ‘bad’ – it’s about a system without effective guardrails. That inconsistency is exactly the problem. Frankly, Australians can’t wait any longer", she said.

Read the full article here: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/ng-interactive/2025/dec/08/specialist-doctor-fees-are-forcing-australians-into-impossible-choices-advocates-say-urgent-change-is-needed

The Therapeutic Goods Administration - TGA recently reviewed the safety of unapproved cannabis products. CHF was proud t...
08/12/2025

The Therapeutic Goods Administration - TGA recently reviewed the safety of unapproved cannabis products. CHF was proud to put forward a submission that centred consumer needs in its policy and decision making advice.

Our submission advocated for cannabis products in Australia to be safe, high quality, accessible and affordable. We also advised that the TGA seek greater consumer engagement to ensure medications, and the regulations surrounding them to meet consumer needs.

You can read our full submission here: https://www.chf.org.au/our-work/submissions/chfs-final-submission-to-the-review-of-the-safety-and-regulatory-oversight-of-una

CHF has heard from consumers that they are having to skip specialist care because they can't access or afford it. So, if...
04/12/2025

CHF has heard from consumers that they are having to skip specialist care because they can't access or afford it.

So, if fewer consumers are actually able to see specialist, why has the Extended Medicare Safety Net skyrocketed by more than $500 million?

The Extended Medicare Safety Net was designed to reduce strain on the public system, and make sure families have access to specialist care. Once you spend a certain amount on out-of-pocket healthcare costs, the safety net will kick in and will cover 80% of your out-of-pocket costs, regardless of the amount.

Here's the issue. Consumers are often unable to access appointments through the public system which is under strain, under funded and lacks sufficient services. The Guardian has also reported that some of the most in demand specialists, like psychiatrists have raised their appointment out of pockets costs by over $100 in the last five years alone.

“You shouldn’t have to win the lottery just to see a specialist for care. Knowing the fee isn’t enough when you can’t afford the service," said our CEO, Dr Elizabeth Deveny.

“When some fees climb much faster than inflation, and people go without care, we can’t keep pretending it’s all just ‘business costs'."

"I've heard doctors describe colleagues with high billing practices as 'lifestyle doctors'. Does make me wonder though - whose lifestyle really matters?"

Read the full piece here: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/nov/30/australian-taxpayers-subsidise-rising-specialist-fees-abbott-era-medicare

Do you want to have your say on health care costs and policy? CHF wants to hear your thoughts on healthcare costs now. T...
04/12/2025

Do you want to have your say on health care costs and policy?

CHF wants to hear your thoughts on healthcare costs now. This will inform how we advocate for change and what we will ask for from the government in terms of health policy.

Our survey on this topic is now live, you can complete it by following this link or scanning the QR code: https://www.chf.org.au/get-involved/australia-s-health-panel

03/12/2025

After 15 years of dedicated service, Tony Lawson has stepped down from his role as Board Chair at CHF.

His leadership has guided CHF through significant growth and transformation, shaping us into the strong, consumer-centred organisation we are today. As Tony reflects on his journey in this video, we extend our deepest gratitude for his dedication and service.

Thank you Tony.

As the national peak body representing health consumers, CHF works to make healthcare in Australia more accessible, affo...
02/12/2025

As the national peak body representing health consumers, CHF works to make healthcare in Australia more accessible, affordable and safe.

On this International Day of People with Disability - Australia , we stand behind the push for disability inclusive societies for social progress. CHF reaffirms our commitment to working with people with diverse lived experiences and amplifying their insights in discussions and decisions. Together, we can drive the change and progress in policy that Australia so urgently needs.

We are deeply grateful to those who share their experiences and advocate for people living with disability. Your engagement over the years has strengthened our ability to advocate for the healthcare rights of all Australians and made us a better, more inclusive organisation.

Last chance to register for our stigma and health webinar next Tuesday 9 December! https://www.chf.org.au/events/chf-ta...
02/12/2025

Last chance to register for our stigma and health webinar next Tuesday 9 December! https://www.chf.org.au/events/chf-talks-2-2025

We're looking forward to hearing insights from consumer advocates Ally Finnis and Dr Saba Nabi along with the expertise of Lucy Clynes CEO of Hepatitis Australia , and Priscilla Brice, CEO of the National Mental Health Consumers Alliance .

We hope to see you there!

Today is , a day to acknowledge those living with AIDs and HIV around the world. CHF began in the 1980s, during the hei...
01/12/2025

Today is , a day to acknowledge those living with AIDs and HIV around the world.

CHF began in the 1980s, during the height of the AIDS epidemic in Australia. From the beginning, we’ve worked to strengthen consumer leadership in health, particularly for people who experience stigma, bias, and discrimination. Our focus is on ensuring consumers are not just heard, but are able to actively shape policies and practices that affect their care.

One of CHF's core organisational values is to be daring. We love seeing ambitious policy from government that aligns with what consumers in the community are asking for. We commend the Australian government for daring to set such an ambitious goal of eliminating HIV in Australia by 2030. We can't wait to see this come to fruition in the next five years and will continue to work with, and advise, the government to create and implement bold, community led policy objectives in the future.

CHF expresses its broad support for the Australian Productivity Commission's final review of the National Mental Health ...
28/11/2025

CHF expresses its broad support for the Australian Productivity Commission's final review of the National Mental Health Agreement.

The review found that the current Agreement had not led to meaningful change and lacks clear objectives and achievable, measurable outcomes.

CHF's submission to the review advocated for the next Agreement to be co-designed with those who have lived experience, their carers, family members and kin , alongside service providers and the mental health sector.

This review and its recommendations are important steps, however, the real work is still ahead of us. The government must commit to collaborating with consumers to develop a new Agreement that is fit for purpose and genuinely meets the needs of the community.

You can read our submission here: https://www.chf.org.au/our-work/submissions/the-productivity-commission-s-final-review-of-the-national-mental-health-and-suic

The Therapeutic Goods Administration - TGA has announced that from June 2027, high-dose Vitamin B6 products will require...
27/11/2025

The Therapeutic Goods Administration - TGA has announced that from June 2027, high-dose Vitamin B6 products will require pharmacist supervision or a prescription. This change aims to reduce the risk of nerve damage, which can occur when B6 is taken in excessive amounts.

Health experts recommend checking supplement labels and speaking with healthcare professionals, especially if you’re combining products, ahead of the June 2027 transition.

26/11/2025

Like many Australians, Aunty Maureen has worked hard all her life, so she can enjoy retirement. But that all changed when her health declined, and she needed multiple expensive surgeries, far from her regional Queensland home.

Getting care shouldn't mean having to sell your house or return to work after retirement. It shouldn't mean waiting years for essential operations and having to travel hours away from where you live, to get the care you need.

Our 2024 National Consumer Sentiment Survey (NCSS) Report showed that Aunty Maureen's story isn't unique.

That's why CHF, along with consumer advocates like Aunty Maureen, are demanding more affordable and accessible healthcare across Australia.

You can read our full NCSS report here: https://www.chf.org.au/our-work/national-consumer-sentiment-survey

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