CHF can trace its beginnings to the 1980s when, following a petition to the Minister of Health, a review of community participation was undertaken by the Federal Department of Health.
It recommended the establishment of a Health Forum, consisting of a coalition of community and consumer groups, to provide a strong community voice on health issues. Initially funding for CHF was approved in the 1986/87 Federal budget.
During this time globally and across Australia, it was a time when HIV and the poor treatment of people with AIDS spurred many in the community to self-advocate or advocate on behalf of their community.
This grew into a broader health consumer movement, and today CHF’s membership includes many disease-based, consumer organisations and a range of health and medical stakeholders.
Although considerable gains have been made in many areas for the benefit of health consumers, the need for effective consumer participation is not universally supported.
The move away from the medical model of care towards a person-centered model of care where the person receiving care is placed at the centre of their healthcare needs and treatment can be seen as a huge win for the consumer movement.
Equally there is now a recognised need by Governments, health care providers and professionals about the need to consult with consumers in the development and implementation of any healthcare policy or program.
There is more work to be done, particularly in how consumers can be meaningfully engaged by Governments, service providers and health practitioners and at CHF we work every day with our Members and key industry partners to jointly work towards the betterment of all Australian healthcare consumers.
