Almost a thousand people have joined CHF’s #30YearsOn campaign which is demanding that health consumers be given a greater voice in the upcoming Strengthening Medicare reforms.

With just four weeks to go until the 2023 Federal Budget, we need your help to boost our campaign and tell the government that it’s time for healthcare reform.

Medicare came into being in 1983 and was an outstanding initiative. However, over the next decade, cracks started to appear. Since then it’s been 30 years of health system reviews, reports, and roundtables to address the issues and CHF has contributed at every point.

But we’re tired of talking and I bet you are too!

We understand that the government is in a pressured position with this Budget, but the community has been waiting for 30 years for action.

Consumers want to see visits to the GP made easier and more affordable, they want help to navigate our complex health system and they want greater access to mental health and dental services. Consumers also want to have a seat at the table, to help shape the reforms from their design to implementation.

As you know, we pay for everything: through our taxes, Medicare levy, private insurance, and out-of-pocket costs. It all comes down to us.

For 30 years we’ve been paying for a system that doesn’t deliver everything we need. We are asking for the government to seriously consider our views, to have us represented in all levels of decision-making, and to work with consumers to make sure the system works for them.

So, can you help us? Please visit our campaign website and

• Sign the petition
• Share your story 
• Write to your MP

Over the next four weeks, let’s remind the Australian Government to listen to the views of consumers.  

Now is the time for Health Minister Mark Butler to deliver real reform and fully engage and listen to consumers. We all want the health system to get better.

Because it’s our health system – It’s ours and it’s time.

Register for this post Budget webinar, the day after the Budget is handed down. Our policy team will be working late to bring you the breakdown for health so that you have best information at your fingertips. Wed 10 May 2:30 – 3:30 pm

A Senate Committee has been formed to review dental services in Australia and Consumers Health Forum will be putting in a submission. We are running an Australia's Health Panel survey and also a member consultation to hear about your experiences and how you think dental services could be better accessed and provided. Register for the consultation on Tuesday 18 April at 1:00 pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time)

For the latest April 2023 Australia’s Health Panel survey, we want to ask about your experiences with getting dental or oral care and your views on issues and solutions. This will help shape our submission to the Senate Committee and our broader advocacy efforts. Register for

Log in to Australia’s Health Panel  or Join the panel .

Last years’ investigations into the cosmetic surgery industry has led to a new public campaign from the Department of Health and Aged Care. The campaign will educate Australians about:

• where to find credible information,
• understanding the risks and
• knowing your rights.

Visit the Dept of Health and Aged Care website to find out more about the campaign and share the resources including how to choose a practitioner and how to choose a licensed facility

The MyGov App has a digital wallet to securely store some government digital cards and certificates. You can already use the app for Centrelink concession and health care cards. The MyGov app has features to project against fraud and theft including an animated hologram to show that the card is not just a screenshot. Cards can be scanned using a QR code generated by the app.

The Australian Commission of Safety and Quality in Healthcare (ACSQHC) have produced a guide for  consumers about how to access antibiotic medicines during the antibiotic shortage. Resources for consumers are available here. The TGA website has the latest information on medicine shortages and how you might manage you medications. 

The Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) is looking for new health consumer representatives (members). CAC members are an important part of how they develop and provide health care services. The committee is made up of a group of dedicated members, patients, carers and community members from across their region. Members are paid sitting fees and are reimbursed for expenses in line with Health Consumers Queensland Remuneration and Reimbursement of Consumers Position Statement.

COTA (Council of the Aging) Australia is asking for your views in a project to develop resources for elderly Australians and their families. The project will support the use of Digital Heath Technologies such as Medicare Online, My Health records and e-prescriptions. You can help by completing this survey (closing 18 April 2023). There’s also an opportunity to take part in a focus group The survey is anonymous and will take 5 -10 minutes of your time.

The Vaccine Clinic Finder, developed by Healthdirect to help Australians find and book COVID-19 vaccines has been retired. COVID-19 vaccination bookings are now available on the refreshed Healthdirect Service Finder. Users can book and click on a broader range of clinical appointments, including COVID and flu vaccines. The Vaccine Clinic played a critical role during the pandemic to help consumers find vaccines and ease the administrative burden on vaccination clinics. Use Healthdirect for free, professional health advice you can trust from the Australian Government.

Consumer representatives are nominated for national committees to ensure that the views and interests of health consumers are represented at the national level. CHF supports consumer representatives by providing resources in a number of ways. Find out how to become a Consumer Rep

As a member of CHF you will be kept up to date on key health reform issues through our publications and member alerts. CHF membership enables you to influence the national health agenda by contributing to CHF surveys and polls, consultations and campaigns. Members can draw on CHF position statements, media releases and policy submissions to inform your work and advocacy.