When we lose someone of significance, it prompts us to reflect on how that individual has shaped both the historical and contemporary landscapes. Particularly when that person is an esteemed elder and leader in our community.  
 
This month, we learned that former CHF CEO, Kate Moore, had passed away after a short illness. Kate was CEO of Consumers Health Forum from 1992 to 1999. Kate left a profound legacy on the status of health consumer influence, as a driving force, custodian, and advocate for CHF during its formative years, and a mentor to many people who came after her. Former CHF Chair, Janne Graham, put together this tribute, drawing on the experiences of those who were privileged to know Kate and work with her. 

Consumers Health Forum will be co-hosting a webinar for consumers on the MRFF Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) Research Plan.  
 
In this webinar, CHF CEO, Elizabeth Deveny who is on the Expert Advisory Committee for the Research Plan and Dr Masha Somi, CEO for the Health and Medical Research Office at the Department of Health and Aged Care will lead a discussion on the Research Plan.

Wed 6 Sept 2.00-4.30pm (AEST)

As we all combat cost of living pressures, the cost of healthcare is making news. CHF is regularly being asked for comment on consumer stories that have a commercial element. The commercial determinants of health can have both positive and negative effects on healthcare. Here are some examples of the issues being exposed.

• Patients shun GPs and bear the pain in cost-of-living crunch (The Age)
• Medical centres forcing patients to share their personal data (Choice)
• Woolworths’ free naturopath consultations raise concerns among peak health bodies (The Guardian)
• Is private health insurance doing its job? (ABC)

A new YouGov poll found that more than 3 in 4 young Australians are concerned about climate change. The polling, conducted by YouGov and commissioned by Orygen, shows that more than 3 in 4 (76 per cent) of young people aged 16-25 are concerned about climate change. Thirty per cent said they are “very concerned”, and two-thirds of young Australians said climate concerns are having a negative impact on youth mental health. Fifty-six percent (56%) report increased concerns the past year. 

In response to the escalating impact of climate distress, the Orygen Institute has launched a major policy paper featuring 12 key recommendations for action. Read the full Policy Report

 The National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) has often made the point that populations living in rural and regional parts of Australia consume a lower proportion of health spending than their urban counterparts.

For more clarity given the complexity of health funding and spending, the NHRA has commissioned a Report to better inform policy discussions. This Report: Evidence base for additional investment in rural health in Australia has now been published and is available for distribution and evaluation.  
 
According to the Report, there is need for greater and more strategic investment into the health of rural Australians and clear evidence that per-person spending on healthcare is not only inequitable, but that  this inequity is contributing to poorer health outcomes experienced in rural areas. 
 
Notably, an $848.02 shortfall between urban and rural Australians (FY2020-21) was identified and that a lack of accessible services has consequences across Australia’s agricultural, tourism and mining industries as well as for Indigenous populations located remotely.  

The closing date for Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Advisory Committee Vacancy 2023 applications has been extended and expressions of interest (EOI) must be received by no later than 11.59 pm (AEST) on 15 September 2023 (the previous closing date was 11.59 pm (AEST) on 03 September 2023).

The EOI and an information pack that provides advice on how to apply is available on the department’s HealthCareers website Department of Health - Health Technology Assessment Advisory Committee Vacancies 2023 (nga.net.au).

Join this free symposium, at ANU or online on Wed 13 Sept, 9:15 – 4:15 pm from the Planetary Health Equity Hothouse, an ARC Laureate Fellowship Initiative.   
 
Hosted by Prof Sharon Friel, Director of the Planetary Health Equity Hothouse, with opening remarks from ANU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian P. Schmidt AC, and the Honourable Ged Kearney MP, attendees will hear government, non-government and academic experts discuss the political, economic, and social dimensions of planetary health equity. Throughout the day the symposium will explore the role of different economic models, power in policy systems, and opportunities offered by optimising climate change mitigation policies for social and health goals. 

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, polls, consultations and campaigns. Members can draw on CHF position statements, media releases and policy submissions to inform your work and advocacy.