What is CHF?

Download CHF brochure Everyone has the right to safe, good quality health care (663Kb)

The Consumers Health Forum of Australia Inc (CHF) is the national voice for health consumers. As an independent member-based non-government organisation, CHF helps shape Australia’s health system by representing and involving consumers in health policy and program development.

Health consumers have a unique and important perspective on health as the users and beneficiaries of health care and, ultimately, those who pay for it. CHF takes consumers’ views to government and policy makers, providing an important balance to the views of health care professionals, service providers and industry to achieve a health system that reflects the needs of all stakeholders.

Member organisations reach millions of Australian health consumers across a wide range of health interests and health system experiences. Health policy is developed through extensive consultation with members, ensuring a broad representative health consumer perspective.

CHF believes all consumers should receive affordable, safe, good quality health care at the time they need it. The best outcomes are achieved when consumers are involved in decisions about and management of their own health care. Consumers should receive health care information when they need it and in a form they can understand, particularly about medicines.

Current priorities include safety and quality in health care, safe and appropriate use of medicines and health care for people with chronic conditions.

Established in 1987, CHF seeks external funding for priority projects and receives membership fees. The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing gives core funding for the CHF secretariat.

CHF Voting Members are from all areas of the community and health sectors. They include illness-based and self-help groups, population groups, health interest groups and special interest groups.

CHF also welcomes support from others interested in health consumer issues through Individual, Organisational or Corporate membership.

CHF is governed by its Voting Members through an elected committee (the Governing Committee). Members of this committee come from national, state and local consumer organisations.

CHF nominates and supports consumer representatives on government, industry and professional committees.

CHF publishes a range of quality publications on various aspects of health care including the informative journal, Health Voices, available to members and subscribers.