Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF) welcomes four new members to its Board. 

Minh Nguyen from ARC Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers (ACEMS), Gloria Jacob from East Pilbara District Health Advisory Council, Louise Hardy from Arthritis Australia and Scott Harlum from the National Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA) have been voted in by members to fill vacant positions following Jo Watson, Roslyn Chataway and Allison Willis' terms ending. 

Consumers Health Forum Board Chair, Tony Lawson, welcomed the new members and said their depth of experience and diverse backgrounds will be invaluable over the next three years. 

“On behalf of CHF and the Board, I congratulate the successful members and welcome their expertise and leadership at this time of growth for our organisation and for consumers in Australia,” Mr Lawson said. 

“The combination of experienced Board Directors and some new Directors will ensure some stability and will provide fresh insights. 

“There is now real momentum for ensuring that the voices of consumers are heard, particularly as we continue to hear of the access and affordability issues consumers continue to have with their healthcare.  “I thank my fellow Board members who have served this term for their dedication and passion for healthcare consumers and wish every success to those members who have served and moved on during the year, particularly Deputy Chair Jo Watson."  

Jo Watson was appointed to the CHF Board in 2012 and served as Deputy Chair since 2014. She is a true leader in the Australian heath consumer movement and has been an advocate for community-based health approaches. CEO of Consumers Health Forum, Dr Elizabeth Deveny also welcomed the new members. 

“I am looking forward to working with the new Board members at this exciting time as we lead up to the federal election. Now more than ever we need the diverse voices of Australians to be heard so that the future of healthcare meets the community needs.” Dr Deveny said.