Consumer advocacy in healthcare can be immensely rewarding, offering the opportunity to shape healthcare systems that prioritise real world needs, equity, accessibility, and sustainability. Advocates in this space work to identify systemic barriers, influence legislative, policy, and system reforms, and hold institutions accountable for ethical and people-centered practices.
One of the most significant rewards is driving large-scale change. Health policy advocates tackle critical issues like Medicare reform, medication accessibility, digital health developments and access to care. Knowing that their efforts contribute to systemic improvements and equitable healthcare access is deeply fulfilling.
This work also allows consumers to amplify marginalised voices by bridging the gap between policy makers and the public. By contributing their own, and communities’ firsthand accounts, they ensure that policies reflect diverse needs and address long-standing disparities. The ability to bridge the gap between policy makers and the public fosters a sense of purpose and responsibility.
Consumer advocates often develop strong networks – and friendships - join in collaborations, support and inspire each other. There is a strong sense of community in this space.
Above all, healthcare advocacy offers the reward of creating a legacy of positive change, shaping our future healthcare systems.
How CHF links consumers to opportunities
We link consumers to opportunities within CHF and with government departments and other organisations. Opportunities are varied and can include:
Committees and Advisory Boards
Advisory panels
Roundtable discussions and forums
Workshops
Research
Speaking on panels and webinars
Education sessions
Surveys
Reviewing health resources
Consumer representative opportunities are regularly posted below, via our social media channels and advertised in our Consumer Voices newsletter.
Each opportunity we post has details of the role, the experience consumers need to have, time commitments, if travel is required and payments offered. Each post will specify if you contact CHF for more information or the recruiting organisations/government department.
If you feel you meet the opportunity's criteria and requirements, you then submit an expression of interest (an EOI). The EOI form will ask you questions about your background and experiences that are relevant to that particular opportunity. The more depth of information you offer about your lived experiences and interest specific to the role, the better the selection panels can assess your suitability. Applications will be shortlisted, often shortlisted candidates are interviewed, and then opportunities are offered.
If you are unsuccessful, we will ask if you would like us to keep your details on record for future roles. We still strongly encourage you to keep watch on our website and socials.
If you are successful for a role within CHF, you will be introduced to our project lead who will support you through the opportunity.
If you are selected by an external organisation, we will introduce you to the lead staff member, who will support you through the opportunity. We will stay in touch with you through the duration of the appointment.
Organisations who wish to request a consumer representative can do so by Contact Us
Current opportunities
