Consumer Representation

Consumer input into health services is one of the surest ways to drive meaningful change for consumers. There are several channels through which your voice can be heard; one of this is through Consumer Representation.

The Health Consumers' Council is often asked to nominate consumer representatives to national and state committees. Issues covered in the committees cover the whole spectrum of the health system. Commitment will vary but is typically attendance at a meeting around once per month, and a production of a report to the Health Consumers' Council on the committee, to disseminate the information through the website and our networks.

Click here to download a list of current consumer representatives and the committees/boards that they sit on.

State committees are part of the jurisdiction of the Health Consumers' Council and we regularly update our website with reports from existing committees and notification of new opportunities to be involved. If you are interested in being considered for a state health committee, please call Health Consumers' Council on 9221 3422 or e-mail info@hconc.org.au

National Committees are part of the jurisdiction of the Consumers Health Forum (National Health Consumer Organisation). They regularly contact the Health Consumers' Council if there is an opportunity available for a Western Australian delegate on a national forum. We will keep you updated with these opportunities.

Click here to look at our Consumer Representation leaflet

For further information, click on the heading below:

What is a consumer representative

Consumer representatives seek to promote the consumers perspective and to improve the planning, policy and delivery of a health service.

A consumer representative is someone nominated by, and accountable to, an organisation of consumers. The key to consumer representation is accountability.

A consumer representative is a committee member who voices the consumer perspective and takes part in the decision making process on behalf of consumers. This perspective often differs from bureaucratic, service provider, academic or professional perspectives.

Consumer Rights

The right to satisfaction of basic need - food, clothing, shelter, health care and education.

The right to safety - protection against products, production processes and services, which are hazardous to health or life.

The right to be informed - given the facts needed to make an informed choice, and protected against dishonest or misleading advertising and labelling.

The right to choose - to select from a range of products and services, offered at competitive prices with an assurance of satisfactory quality.

The right to be heard - to have consumer interests represented in the making and execution of government policy, and in the development of products and services.

The right to redress - to receive a fair settlement of just claims, including compensation for misrepresentation, shoddy goods or unsatisfactory services.

The right to consumer education - to acquire knowledge and skills needed to make informed, confident choices about goods and services, while having an awareness of basic consumer rights and responsibilities.

The right to a healthy environment - to live and work in an environment which is non-threatening to the well being of present and future generations.

Why participate?

Because it does make a difference, it can be constructive, recognising real need is important. Because services need to be accountable to the community they serve, we can push for real improvements. We are committed to positive change and we can work with others who share similar goals.

As a consumer representative, what should I expect from a committee?

There are a number of things you should expect, not just as a consumer representative, but also as a committee member. They include being:

Treated as an equal member of the committee. Heard, listened to, and understood by the rest of the committee.

Able to ask for clarification and more information, especially if jargon is used.

Given all relevant information and an agenda for the meeting with enough time to read, understand and consult consumer groups and other consumers before the meeting.

Entitled to disagree with the rest of the committee and have this recorded.

Able to talk to others about information from the committee, its deliberations and processes.


As the "host" of the committee, it is the Chairpersons responsibility, and duty, to facilitate consumer representative involvement. The consumer representative is entitled to be there, but it shouldn't be made difficult for them to participate.


Important responsibilities of a consumer representative

Consumer Representatives not only provide the broader consumer perspective on boards/committees that they sit on, but they also have a responsibility to share this information with other health consumers accordingly.

Click here to access reports submitted by consumer representatives regarding the progress of their committees.

Please note that consumer representatives are advised not to disclose confidential information that might be discussed during their meetings, but information that can be shared with other consumers so that they may also contribute the consumers’ perspective in that particular area of health and ensure that the health system is patient orientated.

As a consumer representative, what support can the Health Consumers' Council offer me?

Health Consumers' Council can offer the following support to consumer representatives:

• Consumer Representative Skills Training and induction package (for workshop participants only!)
• Independent 3rd party to debrief and discuss issues and concerns.
• Organisation support and validation of consumer perspective on health issues.
• Networking with other consumer representatives during Consumer Representative Network Meetings.
• Networking with other consumer-based groups.
• Access to our library
• Information on consumer participation and health issues.

Click here to view our Consumer Participation Program Calendar for 2011

How do I become a consumer representative?

The Health Consumers' Council is often asked to nominate consumer representatives to state committees. As a request is received, Health Consumers’ Council calls for expression of interest from consumers with the relevant background understanding and networks with relevant consumers and a suitable consumer representative is selected through careful consideration of these two criteria.

Please note National Committees are part of the jurisdiction of the Consumer Health Forum(National Health Consumer Organisation). Please call CHF 02 6281 0811 or e-mail info@chf.org.au for more information about national committees.

Health Consumers’ Council might be able to provide assistance and support for potential consumers interested to sit on National committees. State committees are part of the jurisdiction of the Health Consumers' Council. If you are interested to be considered for a state health committee, please call Health Consumers' Council on 9221 3422 or e-mail info@hconc.org.au   

Click here to have a look at the current vacancies for consumers to take part in committees/boards.

Further enquiries?
If you have any questions regarding consumer representation or participation, contact the Consumer Participation Project Coordinator on (08) 9221 3422 or 1800 620 780 or info@hconc.org.au for further information.