Category: HCCWA Blog

Understanding Australia’s New Open Disclosure Framework: What It Means for WA Health Consumers

Posted on June 26, 2026

Everyone deserves honest, respectful communication when something goes wrong during healthcare.

By Health Consumers’ Council WA

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care released the updated Australian Open Disclosure Framework in June 2026. It replaces the 2014 framework and aims to support more consistent, person centred communication when a patient experiences harm or potential harm during their care.

For Health Consumers’ Council WA (HCCWA), this reflects what health consumers have consistently told us through our advocacy work. People often remember less about the clinical details of an incident than how they were treated afterwards. Being listened to, receiving a genuine apology where appropriate, and understanding what happens next can make a significant difference.

Key takeaways

Open disclosure is about honest, respectful communication when a patient experiences harm or potential harm during healthcare.
Australia’s updated Open Disclosure Framework places greater emphasis on person centred care, cultural safety and ongoing communication with patients and families.
Good open disclosure includes listening to the patient’s experience, explaining what happened, offering a genuine apology where appropriate, and discussing what happens next.
If something goes wrong during your healthcare, you should expect clear communication, opportunities to ask questions, and ongoing updates as more information becomes available.
HCCWA supports safer, more compassionate healthcare by advocating for consumers and working with health services to strengthen open disclosure practices.

What is open disclosure?

Open disclosure is the process of having honest, timely and respectful conversations with patients, families and carers when something goes wrong during healthcare.

It involves:

explaining what is known about what happened
acknowledging the impact of the event
offering an apology where appropriate
listening to the person’s experience and concerns
discussing what will happen next, including any investigations or ongoing care.

Open disclosure is based on the principle that people have a right to be informed about their healthcare. It supports safer care, helps maintain trust and encourages learning when things do not go as planned.

When should open disclosure happen?

Open disclosure should be considered whenever a patient experiences harm, or potential harm, during healthcare.

Harm is not limited to physical injury. The updated framework recognises that people may also experience psychological, emotional or social harm. Importantly, individuals may experience harm differently from how a health service defines or understands it.

This reinforces the importance of listening first, rather than assuming everyone shares the same perspective.

What has changed in the 2026 framework?

Open disclosure has been part of Australian healthcare for many years, but the updated framework places greater emphasis on:

person centred communication
cultural safety
restorative approaches that support healing and learning
recognising different experiences of harm
building trust through ongoing communication, rather than treating open disclosure as a single event.

The framework encourages health services to see open disclosure as more than a process to complete. It describes it as an opportunity to build respectful relationships with patients, families and carers, even during difficult circumstances.

Why this matters for consumers in Western Australia

At HCCWA, we regularly hear from people who have experienced harm during healthcare.

Through both our advocacy work and our open disclosure training with health services, we know these conversations can be challenging for everyone involved. Many clinicians may only participate in a small number of serious open disclosure conversations during their careers.

Our experience is that what matters most is not having the perfect words. It is listening carefully, responding honestly and creating space for people to ask questions, express concerns and be heard.

Open disclosure is not a one way conversation. While it involves sharing information, it is equally about understanding the patient’s experience.

People who are distressed may not remember every detail they are told. They are far more likely to remember whether they felt respected, listened to and treated with compassion.

A genuine apology can play an important role in rebuilding trust. It should be sincere, communicated in plain language and accompanied by meaningful follow up.

Trust is rarely rebuilt in a single meeting. It develops over time through ongoing communication, transparency and action.

Cultural safety must be part of the conversation

The updated framework recognises that open disclosure must be culturally safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

It acknowledges that racism, discrimination and power imbalances can influence how people experience healthcare and whether they feel safe speaking openly.

Importantly, cultural safety is determined by the person, family or community receiving care, not by the health service.

This means services need to consider who should be involved in conversations, how information is shared and whether people feel respected, supported and safe throughout the process.

From HCCWA’s experience delivering open disclosure training, cultural safety cannot be added at the end. It needs to be considered from the beginning and embedded throughout every stage of open disclosure.

Putting these principles into practice

The updated framework provides clear principles. The challenge is putting those principles into everyday practice.

Through our work with health services, HCCWA focuses on practical skills that support meaningful open disclosure, including:

preparing for conversations
identifying who should be involved
communicating honestly without speculation
creating opportunities for patients and families to share their experience
providing clear follow up and updates as new information becomes available.

These practical actions often determine whether people feel genuinely supported or simply informed.

What should consumers expect after a healthcare incident?

If something goes wrong during your healthcare, you can reasonably expect:

honest and timely communication
an explanation of what is known
an opportunity to ask questions
respectful treatment throughout the process
ongoing updates if more information becomes available
information about the next steps in your care.

If you feel your concerns have not been heard, you can ask for further discussions or seek support from an independent organisation such as HCCWA.

The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights also outlines your rights to access, safety, respect, partnership, information, privacy and the opportunity to provide feedback about your care.

What if open disclosure does not happen?

Not every healthcare incident is managed well.

If you believe open disclosure has not occurred, or you feel you have not received honest communication after an adverse event, you can:

ask whether an open disclosure process has been considered
request another meeting
bring a family member, friend or advocate to support you
write down your questions beforehand
ask for information in writing where appropriate
seek independent advice or advocacy if you need support navigating the process.

What this means for consumer representatives and advocates

The updated framework strengthens the role of consumer representatives and advocates in improving healthcare.

It provides a stronger foundation for asking whether open disclosure is being done well. This includes whether communication is timely, whether people feel listened to and whether health services follow through on their commitments.

For consumer representatives, the framework is another practical tool that can help keep the focus on people’s experiences and support improvements across the health system.

How HCCWA supports open disclosure

HCCWA has worked with health services across Western Australia to deliver open disclosure training that combines practical communication skills with the perspectives of health consumers.

Our training helps clinicians build confidence in having honest conversations after adverse events and supports organisations to strengthen their open disclosure practices.

If your organisation is looking to improve its approach to open disclosure, HCCWA can work with your service to deliver practical, consumer informed training tailored to your setting.

To learn more, contact HCCWA at tania.harris@hconc.org.au.

HCCWA advocates can also help consumers feel supported during an open disclosure process. For more information see our information for consumers: https://www.hconc.org.au/individual-advocacy/open-disclosure-when-things-go-wrong-in-healthcare/

Frequently asked questions

Is open disclosure an admission of legal liability?

No. Open disclosure is about communicating openly and respectfully after something has gone wrong. Having an open disclosure conversation does not, by itself, determine legal liability.

Can I ask for open disclosure?

Yes. If you believe you have experienced harm during healthcare and open disclosure has not been offered, you can ask the health service whether an open disclosure process is appropriate.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes. You can ask a family member, friend, carer or advocate to attend an open disclosure meeting with you for support.

Does open disclosure replace making a complaint?

No. Open disclosure and complaints are different processes. You can still make a complaint if you are unhappy with your care or with how an incident has been managed.

Learn more

Read the Australian Open Disclosure Framework on the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care website.

You can also learn more about HCCWA’s advocacy services, consumer representation opportunities and training programs through our website.

HCCWA’s Diversity Dialogues Forum 2026

Posted on June 25, 2026

Older people from multicultural communities and their access to, and experience of, healthcare

Older people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities can face significant barriers when accessing healthcare in Western Australia. These barriers extend beyond language differences and include difficulties navigating the health system, digital exclusion, transport, cultural understanding, trust, trauma, and limited awareness of available services.

To better understand these experiences, Health Consumers’ Council WA (HCCWA) convened a Diversity Dialogues forum bringing together community leaders, healthcare professionals, researchers, service providers and consumers. Participants shared lived experience, professional insights and practical examples of the challenges older people encounter when seeking healthcare and aged care.

Across diverse communities, participants consistently identified common issues. These included difficulties accessing information and services, limited cultural responsiveness within healthcare settings, challenges using digital systems such as MyGov and My Aged Care, and the importance of building trust through long-term community relationships.

The discussion also highlighted practical solutions already being implemented across Western Australia. Community-led navigation services, culturally responsive education, Care Finder programs and stronger partnerships between community organisations and health services were identified as important approaches to improving access and health outcomes.

The findings reinforce the importance of involving multicultural communities in the planning, design and delivery of healthcare services. They also demonstrate that improving equitable access requires both system-level change and ongoing collaboration with the communities most affected.

About Diversity Dialogues

Diversity Dialogues is an ongoing initiative of Health Consumers’ Council WA that brings together consumers, community organisations, healthcare providers and policymakers to explore issues affecting culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

The forums provide an opportunity to share lived experience, identify barriers to healthcare, and develop practical recommendations that can improve health services across Western Australia.

Key Findings

Read the in-depth report here.

1. Healthcare systems are often difficult to navigate

Participants described healthcare and aged care systems that can be difficult to understand, particularly for people who migrated to Australia later in life or who have limited English proficiency.

Common barriers included:

complex forms and eligibility processes
difficulty using MyGov and My Aged Care
limited awareness of available services
uncertainty about how to access support

Many participants emphasised that services may exist, but understanding how to access them remains a significant challenge.

2. Language and communication remain significant barriers

Participants discussed how language barriers affect every stage of healthcare.

Challenges included:

limited English proficiency
low literacy in any language
complex medical terminology
translated information that does not reflect cultural context
interpreter availability and quality

Some participants also described concerns about privacy when interpreters come from small local communities.

These communication barriers may contribute to misunderstanding, delayed care and reduced confidence in healthcare services.

3. Trust is essential for good healthcare

Many participants explained that trust strongly influences whether people seek healthcare.

Past experiences of conflict, displacement, trauma or negative interactions with institutions can influence how some older people engage with Australian healthcare services.

Participants noted that trust often develops through long-term relationships with healthcare professionals and trusted community organisations rather than through single appointments.

4. Cultural understanding influences healthcare experiences

Participants shared examples where cultural practices or expectations had been misunderstood within healthcare settings.

Examples included:

differing expectations about family involvement in care
culturally appropriate food during hospital stays
differing understandings of ageing and illness
differing expectations about consultation length

Participants suggested that greater cultural understanding could improve communication, person-centred care and consumer experience.

5. Digital exclusion is becoming a healthcare barrier

As healthcare increasingly relies on digital systems, many older consumers experience additional barriers.

Participants highlighted difficulties using:

MyGov
My Aged Care
online appointment systems
SMS verification
email-based communication

Without practical support, digital systems may unintentionally reduce access for older people with limited digital literacy.

Participants described social isolation as an important contributor to poorer health outcomes.

Examples included:

delayed assistance following falls
reduced access to appointments
fewer opportunities to receive health information
increased loneliness

Community organisations highlighted the importance of regular outreach and trusted relationships to reduce isolation.

Community-led solutions

The forum highlighted several initiatives already improving access for multicultural communities across Western Australia.

These included:

Care Finder services
community health navigation
digital literacy programs
culturally responsive community education
seniors’ support programs
intergenerational community initiatives

Participants emphasised that community-led approaches help build trust and support people to navigate complex healthcare systems.

Recommendations

The discussions identified several opportunities to improve healthcare access for older people from multicultural communities.

These include:

Increase cultural responsiveness across health and aged care services.
Improve representation of culturally and linguistically diverse consumers in health service planning and decision-making.
Expand community-led navigation and Care Finder services.
Improve access to face-to-face assistance with digital health systems.
Increase awareness of available health and aged care services through trusted community organisations.
Strengthen partnerships between health services and multicultural communities.
Ensure culturally appropriate food, communication and care are recognised as components of quality healthcare.
Continue investing in community-led mental health education and culturally appropriate support.

What this means for Western Australia

The experiences shared during this forum demonstrate that improving healthcare access for older people from multicultural communities requires more than translation services alone.

Participants described the importance of trust, culturally responsive care, accessible information, community leadership and meaningful partnerships.

Many of the barriers identified are interconnected. Addressing them will require collaboration between consumers, community organisations, healthcare providers and government.

By listening to lived experience and working alongside multicultural communities, Western Australia has an opportunity to create a more equitable, accessible and person-centred health system.

It is also worthwhile considering that improvements to help older people from multicultural communities would benefit everyone in WA, for example trust, accessible information and meaningful partnerships make healthcare fair for all.

Acknowledgements

Health Consumers’ Council WA thanks the forum panellists, participants and community organisations who generously shared their knowledge, lived experience and practical insights.

The experiences documented in this report reflect the views shared during the forum and are intended to inform ongoing discussion, collaboration and continuous improvement across Western Australia’s health system.

About Health Consumers’ Council WA

Health Consumers’ Council WA is the independent peak body representing health consumers across Western Australia. HCCWA works alongside consumers, carers, communities, clinicians and policymakers to improve access, equity, safety and person-centred care across the health system.

Report: Diversity Dialogues Forum May 2026

Posted on June 25, 2026

“Older people from multicultural communities and their access to and experience of healthcare”

Report: 4 June 2026

The HCCWA would like to extend its warmest thanks and appreciation to Panel Members for their participation in and contributions to the forum. They were:

Nunu Chen – Senior Manager – Community Engagement / Quality Enhancement – Chung Wah Association

Florence Singoyi – Mental Health Nurse – North Metropolitan Health Service

Dr Casty Nyaga Hughes CPA – Executive President – Organisation of African Communities in WA

Fiorda Kule – Multicultural Manager – Umbrella Multicultural Community Care Services Inc.

Aru –Social Work student – representing the Bhutanese community

photo Left to right: Dr Casty Nyaga Hughes CPA: Executive President – OACWA, Aru: Edmond Rice Centre representing the Bhutanese community, Florence Singoyi: Mental Health Nurse – North Metropolitan Health Service and Nunu Chen: Coordinator at Chung Wah Community & Aged Care — Left to right: **Emma Grant:** HCCWA Project and Program Officer, **Dr Casty Nyaga Hughes CPA:** Executive President – OACWA, **Aru**: Edmond Rice Centre representing the Bhutanese community, **Louise Ford**: HCCWA Cultural Diversity Coordinator, **Florence Singoyi**: Mental Health Nurse – North Metropolitan Health Service and **Nunu Chen**: Coordinator at Chung Wah Community & Aged Care

The Forum commenced with an Acknowledgement to Country provided by HCCWA’s Engagement Manager, Tania Harris. Panel members introduced themselves and gave examples of aspects of healthcare issues their communities and clients/patients experienced. These included:

Structural and systemic barriers e.g.

Boards and committees are predominantly mainstream with little input/influence from others to encourage/support change. The ‘system’ has not been developed with multicultural communities in mind
Policies and services are often designed for a “generic Australian senior”, not multicultural seniors, leading to a systemic misfit
A repeated point from African community leadership: the current health and aged-care system was not designed around migrant life courses, humanitarian histories, or multi-generational migration patterns.

Transport

Older people often don’t have others who can accompany and take them to appointments or health related programs – family members are often working long hours
A lack of affordable, appropriated and trusted transport

Culturally competent health care

A need for better education of health care workers in terms of working with culturally diverse communities
A lack of cross-cultural understanding/knowledge e.g. a patient washing her clothes while showering was seen as a worsening of her condition however it is normal practice in her country of origin · this demonstrates how lack of cultural understanding can pathologize normal behaviour.

Social isolation

Has lead to deaths in the Sierra Leonian community – people have fallen and died in their home and remained undiscovered until neighbours noticed a smell. One woman fell and survived but is now a paraplegic.

Language, Literacy, and Digital Barriers

One agency (Chung Wah) is developing its own digital learning and translated material as a strategy to help support its clients/members
Form filling is complex and there are often literacy and language barriers
Many people are not literate in any language, making navigation of complex forms (e.g. MyGov, bowel cancer screening kits, income-tested fee forms) extremely difficult.
Even well-educated native English speakers struggle with My Aged Care and Centrelink forms; the impact is magnified for CALD seniors
Seniors struggle with online portals, SMS codes, email, and MyGov, including the three-ID requirement to set up accounts.
Digitalisation without support further locks out already-marginalized groups
Literal translations can miss context or concepts that don’t exist in the person’s language or culture (e.g. “home care packages”, “aged care providers” in languages where family is expected to provide all care)
Interpreters may:
- Lack specific health/aged-care knowledge,
- Not understand community sub-cultures or dialects
- Be distrusted by clients who fear breaches of privacy within small communities
Impacts on access and trust
Combined effects lead to misdiagnosis, under-diagnosis, misunderstanding of treatment, and avoidance of services.

Trust, Fear, and Trauma

Deep mistrust of systems· many community members believe professionals are “just ticking boxes” rather than caring about their wellbeing
Past experiences in origin countries—torture, trauma, abuse by medical
personnel or authorities—make hospital environments and procedures frightening.

Expectations shaped by different systems

In many countries people expect longer, more relational consultations; the Australian model of short appointments and time-limited interactions can feel dismissive or unsafe
Seniors can feel that healthcare is “not for them” when interactions are rushed and culturally insensitive

Shame and stigma

Mental health often interpreted as weakness, madness, or even demonic possession, particularly in some African communities.
Family and domestic violence is taboo; reporting it can be seen as bringing shame on the family or community.
For men, acknowledging victim-hood in domestic violence can be seen as “not being a real man”, creating a strong barrier to help-seeking.

Cultural Roles, Expectations, and Culturally Appropriate Care

Role of family and duty:
In many cultures, older adults expect that children will care for them; accepting external services can feel like failure or abandonment.
Community leaders are working to reframe external supports as complementary to family care, not a replacement

Food as care and identity

Seniors often struggle with hospital or facility food that feels foreign—e.g. being served a sandwich as a “meal” when that would only ever be a snack in their home culture.
Inadequate or inappropriate food leads to poor intake and deterioration.
There is a strong call for culturally appropriate meals to be recognized as part of quality care, not an “extra.

As conversations continued it became clear there are common threads:

A lack of cultural awareness in healthcare staff
The difficulties community members encounter completing complex forms e.g. limited understanding of English both spoken and written as well as terminologies used
Language barriers, little or no literacy at times
Limited access to transport and support
Communities and their members being unaware of available services
Lack of trust in service providers/people outside their own communities

The Forum was opened to questions and comments to panel members from the audience. The following areas were discussed, in some instances representatives were able to offer support to each other e.g. Fiorda noted Umbrella offers a free Care Finder Service for Seniors. (https://umbrellacommunitycare.com.au/service/care-finder-services/}

Social isolation and falls – there have been deaths and severe physical consequences as the result of falls for people living alone. Community members do not always trust government and other service providers.

Time constraints and GP appointments – people often need to develop a rapport with a doctor however 10 minute appointments do not allow for that. For people who have come as refugees the brevity of the appointment and the inability to develop a rapport with a GP can trigger a trauma response. People need to be able to develop a relationship which helps to build trust. If an interpreter is required to assist with understanding and following medical instructions, extra time needs to be factored in to accommodate this.

Interpreters and translated material – there can be issues with these due to dialects and the lack of specialist knowledge amongst interpreters re medical issues and aged care.

Services – many services are available but people don’t know how to access them, the “how” is missing. There is also a need to build trust in services within communities. Lack of trust is a major barrier to service access.

Cultural factors – OACWA has started a Seniors Program to support people to understand differences in life here and ‘back home’ e.g. here there are care providers to assist with care giving for elders rather than people’s own children. There is a focus on supporting people to understand it is OK for service providers to come to the home if their children are unable to provide adequate support. Many older people also trust traditional medicine (not available here) and may be reluctant to fully commit to western medicine. Food is important, people may not eat well if the food isn’t what they are used to. Men very reluctant to discuss sexual health matters.

Mental health – an issue across all communities. It can be difficult to access and interpreters must be utilised which means sessions need to be for two hours rather than one. Young people are beginning to access mental health services more but older people are reluctant, neither do they easily talk about it. In some communities it can be seen as ‘demonic’ and people should cure themselves via prayer. There is much stigma attached to the concept of ‘mental health’.

Domestic violence – was raised during the Forum and is related here as it links to mental health care. It was suggested that when DV or elder abuse is suspected or made known, one approach is to mediate with the whole family. Men in particular can be reluctant to talk about DV whether the perpetuator or the victim.

Recommendations, solutions and suggestions

Communities can work together to create solutions – get people to the table to create systemic changes
Chung Wah is assisting older people to develop digital literacy skills to help them access information and support
Encourage community members to utilise services beyond their own communities in order to access more services
Community organisations working with their community to encourage a greater understanding of mental health in a western context
Raise awareness of available services and resources to communities and how to access these services
Much information is aimed at mainstream not multicultural communities – there needs to be a bridge to bring service providers and communities together
More networking opportunities for multicultural communities so we can help each other
Care Finder services doing outreach and trust-building visits.
Use of personal alarms/fall detectors configured to call trusted contacts (family, community leaders) rather than only emergency services
The need for staff to consult people from the same or similar backgrounds before labelling behaviours as symptoms
Increase representation of CALD seniors and community leaders in health and aged-care decision-making structure
Invest in and expand navigator and Care Finder programs, with explicit multicultural and community-led models
Strengthen cultural competence in health and aged-care services
Address digital exclusion by funding face-to-face support for MyGov/My Aged Care
Embed culturally appropriate food and environments in hospitals and residential care as part of quality standards.

In addition, people discussed:

Balancing culturally specific and cross-cultural services

Some argued strongly for culturally matched supports (e.g. Africans supporting Africans) to build trust and engagement, especially at the start.
Others raise the risk of over-reliance on one’s own community, which can:
- Limit integration
- Increase shame if problems (such as domestic violence) become widely known within that community
- Leave people unprepared when they must interact with a broader service system
A layered approach was discussed:
First, build trust through own-community workers,

Then gradually introduce mainstream and other-culture providers, supporting seniors to navigate a broader system.

Children, Youth, and Intergenerational Dimensions

Concern from a child health researcher: multicultural families are not always accessing early child development screening and support services, despite high importance in the first five years.

This mirrors the adult pattern: services exist but are not well-connected to families who could benefit.

Intergenerational programs

OAC is planning intergenerational round tables bringing together grandmothers, mothers, and daughters to:

Share stories and expectations,
Discuss health, domestic violence, mental health, and settlement challenges across generations,
Build understanding and collective strategies

Strategies and Services Highlighted

1. Care Finder and Navigator Services

Umbrella Community Care (Fiona) and Chung Wah Community Care (Nnun) both operate Care Finder and navigation-style services funded by the Department of Health and PHNs.

Key functions:

Outreach to multicultural seniors, often via community leaders and networks.
Building trust through repeated visits, informal chats (“just here for a cup of tea”), and practical assistance.
Supporting entry into My Aged Care, arranging assessments, linking to CHSP and home care services.
Identifying and mitigating environmental risks (e.g. steps at showers, lack of rails, unsafe bathrooms) to prevent falls and crises.

2. Community-Led Programs (OAC and Others)

OAC seniors’ program (running ~7+ months, meeting fortnightly):

Needs-assessment conversations with seniors to discover what they want and need.
Education on differences between normal ageing vs illness, clarifying symptoms that do require medical attention.
Addressing beliefs around traditional medicine, hospital care, and patterns of help seeking

OAC Men’s Department

Created in response to suicides of men in domestic-violence contexts.
Provides safe spaces for men to talk about domestic violence, mental health, and social pressures.

Women’s programs and youth programs

Focus on leadership, empowerment, and education.
Intention is a holistic, “whole family” approach, recognizing that seniors, adults, and youth are interlinked.

3. Advocacy, Training, and Capacity-Building

Advocare (Alessandra):

Observes major challenges in cultural understanding, interpreter appropriateness, and digital literacy.
Notes the new Aged Care Act has more person-centred, rights-based language, but structures still lack strong cultural intelligence.
Emphasizes training and empowering community members now, as “we are the future seniors”.

Carers WA / university partnership (QUEST program)

Government-funded consumer-led research education to upskill consumers and carers so they can engage with hospitals on more equal footing (“hospital evidence base” vs “consumer seeing-is-believing”)
Aims to improve trust by helping consumers speak the system’s language without losing lived experience perspectives

Perth Multicultural Health Link & Multicultural Futures

Role in developing and sharing resources, plus research into shame, stigma, and barriers in mental health and domestic violence

Feedback

Overall feedback from the forum was positive with 100% agreeing the information shared would assist them in their roles. The audience consisted of health care providers, carers, a researcher and health professionals. Comments included:

Being able to ask questions and getting answers from the different panelists as it gave diverse perspectives.
Continue discussions on how to improve accessibility to our services for CaLD communities
More dialogue with multicultural communities
Discussed insights from event with team (who attended online) Kudos on a dynamic event
Prepare and develop a network of service providers for seniors
Approach to inclusive consumer engagement
Very informative session
Understanding current issues for our CALD community,

As a footnote, one of the main purposes of Diversity Dialogues forums is to bring members of diverse cultural backgrounds together with health service providers to increase understanding and knowledge. Also to foster communication between providers and communities beyond the forums, with the aim of creating improved experiences for CaLD community members. Events like Diversity Dialogues help forge ongoing relationships, share models (e.g. health passports, Care Finder, seniors’ programs), and avoid “reinventing the wheel” community by community.

We would also like to thank Louise Ford for welcoming those attending in person and online, and Emma Grant who managed the online participants and relayed their questions and comments.

Conclusion

The discussions which took place during this forum clearly demonstrated the need for a sustained approach to incorporating voices from diverse cultural backgrounds in the planning and execution of health care services in WA. It can be clearly seen that:

Equity in healthcare for older multicultural communities is both a systemic and relational issue
Isolation, language and digital exclusion create life-and-death risks
Cultural misunderstanding can directly harm care quality
Partnerships and networks are essential
Support community-led mental health and family-violence initiatives
Promote simple tools like health passports that make it easier for seniors to communicate needs quickly in unfamiliar settings

Again, the Health Consumers’ Council WA would like to thank panel members for their valuable input and to attendees for their interest and participation. As an organisation the Health Consumers Council will continue to provide opportunities for voices from diverse cultural backgrounds to be heard as a means of supporting equity in health service provision in Western Australia. It is also clear that many health professionals want to hear those voices as a means of assisting them to provide the quality care their professions require. To accommodate both diverse voices and health professionals achieve their goals it is apparent systemic change needs to be encouraged to take place; there are recommendations and suggestions in this report to encourage this.

National recognition for HCCWA’s advocacy for Western Australian health consumers

Posted on June 25, 2026

Health Consumers’ Council WA recognised as a national nominated finalist for consumer advocacy

Health Consumers’ Council WA (HCCWA) is proud to have been recognised as a finalist in the 2026 Consumers’ Federation of Australia Consumer Advocacy Award.

The award recognises outstanding consumer advocacy that creates meaningful change for people across Australia. The 2026 award was presented during the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s National Consumer Congress in Sydney.

Congratulations to Super Consumers Australia, whose Take Your Super Back campaign received this year’s award for helping thousands of Australians affected by the Shield and First Guardian superannuation collapses understand their rights and seek compensation.

HCCWA was honoured to stand alongside nationally respected consumer organisations including CHOICE and the Owners Corporation Network and Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby.

While every organisation works in a different area of consumer advocacy, they share a common goal of ensuring people are heard, informed and treated fairly.

For HCCWA, this recognition reflects the importance of independent health consumer advocacy in Western Australia.

Every year we support people to navigate complex healthcare experiences, amplify consumer voices in policy and service design, and work alongside communities, clinicians and decision makers to improve the safety, quality and fairness of our health system.

Our advocacy is shaped by the experiences of Western Australians. Individual stories help identify broader patterns, which can lead to lasting improvements that benefit entire communities.

Being recognised alongside Australia’s leading consumer advocacy organisations reinforces the value of independent, consumer-led advocacy and encourages us to continue working towards a health system that is safe, equitable and centred on people.

We congratulate Super Consumers Australia on their well-deserved achievement and thank every consumer, carer, volunteer, consumer representative, member, partner and supporter who helps make our work possible.

Together, we can continue making healthcare fair for all.

Help shape fairer healthcare in WA

Whether you’ve shared your healthcare experience, volunteered as a consumer representative, attended one of our workshops, supported our advocacy or worked alongside us, you are part of this achievement.

If you would like to help improve healthcare in Western Australia, we’d love you to get involved.

Join our movement for fairer healthcare in WA.

What Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers say makes GP care culturally safe

Posted on June 25, 2026

What is culturally safe GP care? New research from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers

A new paper, “Towards assessment of culturally safe general practitioners: co-designing with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ perspectives, the Calgary–Cambridge guide and clinical yarning”, published in the Australian Journal of Primary Health on 25 May 2026, puts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumer voices at the centre of the conversation about cultural safety in general practice.

The research was carried out in Queensland across four sites, including three Aboriginal Medical Services and one mainstream general practice, spanning regional, rural and very remote communities. A total of 131 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people took part through surveys, interviews and group processes. The work was guided by an Aboriginal Community Reference Group to ensure the findings reflected community perspectives.

This research matters because cultural safety is often discussed in policy or training settings, but less often defined by consumers themselves.

What Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers said matters most

Participants were clear about what they expect from a GP consultation. The priorities people identified were not theoretical; they were grounded in what really helps people feel respected, understood and confident about their care.

The most important attributes were:

knowing how to diagnose and treat disease properly
explaining things clearly, using basic words
greeting people respectfully
not stereotyping Aboriginal people
listening carefully

Other highly ranked elements included recognising what matters to the patient, not interrupting, being polite and respectful, creating a welcoming environment, and providing enough time for the appointment.

These findings show that culturally safe care is not something separate from everyday practice but is built through how care is delivered and whether people feel heard and taken seriously.

What does culturally safe care look like in a GP appointment?

Consumers said they want GPs who get clinical care right, use plain language, listen without interrupting, speak respectfully and as an equal, and avoid assumptions.

Participants also described the importance of privacy, comfort, and having enough time in appointments. Cultural safety also sits in the environment, including how welcoming the service feels, whether privacy is maintained, and whether people feel comfortable in the space.

What consumers want to see change

Consumers are asking for consistent, high-quality clinical care, clear communication, genuine listening, respectful interactions, freedom from stereotyping, and adequate time, privacy and follow-up.

There was also a strong message about consent. Participants wanted control over who is involved in their care and how information is shared, including during consultations, procedures and examinations.

Participants also valued continuity of care. Seeing the same GP over time, not having to repeat their story, and having follow-up on results and referrals all contributed to feeling safe and supported.

Important findings about culture and identity

Participants had mixed views about being asked about Country, Mob or cultural identity. For some, this was helpful. For others, it was intrusive or distressing, particularly where identity had been questioned or where people were disconnected from family or community. The paper recommends allowing these conversations to develop over time, rather than making them a standard opening question.

The research also goes further in challenging routine identification processes in general practice. It highlights that asking people to identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in a standard administrative way can create fear of stereotyping, mistrust and disengagement. It points to the need for safer systems, where identity can emerge over time through relationships and where access to supports does not depend on a process that can cause harm.

What this means for general practice

The authors recommend strengthening existing GP consultation approaches by embedding relational practices such as respectful greeting, listening and clear communication, and integrating elements of social yarning into standard practice.

The paper also challenges commonly taught approaches. It shows that practices such as asking about Country, using silence, or trying to find common ground should not be assumed to be culturally safe for everyone. These approaches need to be used carefully and in response to the individual.

Where to next

Suggested future work includes testing the proposed consultation model in real settings and developing tools to assess cultural safety from a consumer perspective. This research was conducted in specific Queensland communities, and further work is needed across different regions and communities.

Why this matters in Western Australia

This paper provides clear direction based on what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers have said themselves.

The key message is straightforward, people want care that is clinically sound, clearly explained, respectful, and free from judgement or stereotyping.

For services, this means reviewing how care is delivered and making practical changes that reflect these expectations.

Position Title: Engagement Lead (Multicultural Focus)
Position description: Engagement Lead (Multicultural Focus)
Location: Mount Lawley, WA
Work Type: Part-Time (3 days a week)/Permanent
Level: SCHADS L6
Salary: $55.72-$58.19/hour + Superannuation
Applications close: Monday 29 June 2026 at 9am
Not For Profit (NFP)

About us

Health Consumers’ Council WA (HCCWA) is an independent, community-based organisation established in 1994. We exist to ensure that consumer voices are heard, respected and embedded across all levels of the health system.

We work to amplify lived experience in health policy, planning, research and service delivery by:

Supporting individuals to navigate the health system and ensure their health rights are met through individual advocacy
Supporting community members to have their voices heard at every level of decision making in health in partnership with health services and Government
Championing equitable, person-centred, high-quality healthcare for all Western Australians

Our work is grounded in our values of equity, compassion, collaboration, courage, care and integrity.

About you

You are an organised and strategic professional who excels at enhancing the way organisations operate. You combine a forward-thinking, big-picture perspective with hands-on execution, and are deeply committed to meaningful, purpose-led work.

Demonstrated experience in community or consumer engagement, with a strong focus on culturally and linguistically diverse communities and inclusive, equity-centred practice
Skilled in designing and facilitating engagement activities and translating lived experience in clear insights, reports and practical recommendations
Proven ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with communities, stakeholders and partners
Highly organised and collaborative, with strong project management skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes in a complex environment

About the position

The role leads engagement with multicultural communities to ensure their experiences, perspectives and priorities inform health policy, service design, planning, delivery, evaluation and broader system reform in WA.

This position works across fee-for-service and core-funded engagement projects, leading or contributing to engagement design, facilitation, consultation, training, reporting and relationship development. The role applies trauma-informed, culturally responsive and equity-centred practice to create safe and meaningful opportunities for multicultural consumers, carers and community members to participate.

The role contributes to HCCWA’s understanding of systemic issues, policies and reform priorities relevant to culturally and linguistically diverse health contexts, and helps translate consumer experience into practical insights, reports, advice and recommendations.

The position contributes to the Engagement Team’s purpose to seek out, listen to and elevate the voices of consumers, carers and communities to drive systemic change.

A typical week might see you

Building relationships with multicultural communities, community leaders and partner organisations to strengthen engagement and trust
Planning and facilitating workshops, consultations and listening sessions to capture diverse consumer experiences
Designing inclusive engagement approaches and supporting participation through interpreters, accessible materials and culturally responsive methods
Analysing feedback and lived experience insights and translating them into clear reports, recommendations and advocacy outputs
Coordinating projects, managing timelines and delivering high-quality engagement activities across multiple priorities
Collaborating with internal teams and stakeholders to identify systemic issues and contribute to meaningful health system change

The role offers you

The opportunity to be a part of a workplace that is driven by championing West Aussie consumer health rights
A welcoming, inclusive and supportive workplace, where everyone is encouraged to bring all of themselves
A competitive not-for-profit annual base salary with salary packaging
Flexible working arrangements including the opportunity to work from home occasionally

Please see our website www.hconc.org.au/about-us/employment/ for the job description for a full outline of responsibilities for the role.

Diversity and inclusion

At Health Consumers’ Council WA we know that strength comes from diverse perspectives being at the table. We particularly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and identities, people with disability and LGBTIQA+ community members.

Selection Criteria

Essential

3+ years’ experience in community engagement, consumer engagement, community development, health promotion, advocacy, social research or a related field, including work with culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Strong understanding of culturally responsive, inclusive, trauma-informed and equity-centred engagement practice.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with multicultural communities, community organisations and other stakeholders.
Strong facilitation skills, including experience facilitating small, medium and large groups in person, online and in hybrid settings.
Experience designing, coordinating and evaluating engagement activities such as consultations, workshops, forums, listening sessions, training or co-design activities.
Experience gathering, analysing and synthesising qualitative data, lived experience insights or community feedback and presenting findings in accessibly ways for difference audiences.
Ability to contribute to systemic advocacy by identifying themes, issues and opportunities for change from consumer and community experiences.
Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, summaries, briefings, submissions, presentation or other high-quality written materials.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects, meet deadlines and work with a high degree of autonomy.
Collaborative working style with an ability and willingness to support team priorities and contribute to a positive team culture.
Confident using Microsoft Office and confidence using or learning digital systems such as project management, event, email and marketing and CRM platforms.

Desirable

Strong understanding of the WA health system and current issues affecting health consumers.
Existing connections with multicultural communities, bicultural workers, multicultural organisations or relevant networks in WA.
Experience working with interpreters, translated material and/or multilingual health information.
Experience contributing to fee-for-service work, grants, service agreements, proposals or business development.
Experience in co-design, deliberative engagement, training, health literacy or capacity building.
Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in community development, public health, social work, social policy, health promotion, communications, research or a related discipline.
Interest in digital literacy and ability to identify and pursue opportunities or organisational improvement.

How to apply

Provide a cover letter of no more than two (2) pages addressing the selection criteria points 1, 2, 3 & 6, along with a current resume outlining your work experience, skills and any relevant education or training to Tania Harris, our Engagement & Systemic Advocacy Manager at jobs@hconc.org.au clearly stating which role you’re applying for. Applications that do not address the selection criteria may not be considered.

Applications close Monday, 29 June 2026 at 8am

If you require any adjustments to submit your application or wish to have a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Tania Harris, Engagement and Advocacy Manager on (08) 6109 6709

Engagement Lead – Consumers and Stakeholders

Posted on June 12, 2026

Help shape a more equitable health system in Western Australia

Position Title: Engagement Lead – Consumers and Stakeholders
Position description: Engagement Lead – Consumers and Stakeholders
Location: Mount Lawley, WA
Work Type: Full-Time/Permanent
Level: SCHADS L6
Salary: $55.72-$58.19/hour + Superannuation
Applications close: Monday 29 June 2026 at 9am
Not For Profit (NFP)

About us

We are the Health Consumers’ Council WA (HCCWA). We work to make sure that the voices of West Australians are heard and acknowledged in healthcare system matters. We fight for an equitable system that is shaped for the people of WA.

The Engagement Lead – Consumer and Stakeholders role designs, delivers and evaluates high-quality engagement and systemic advocacy initiatives involving consumers, carers and community members.

We exist to ensure that consumers’ rights are upheld in the health system at every level of decision making.

About you

You are a confident and adaptable engagement professional who values equity, inclusion and consumer voice. You enjoy working with diverse communities and bringing people together in safe and meaningful ways.

Experience designing and delivering engagement or co-design activities with consumers or communities.
Strong facilitation skills across in-person, online and hybrid settings.
A good understanding of inclusive, trauma-informed and equity-centred practice
The ability to gather insights from lived experience and present them clearly for difference audiences.
Strong written skills and experience producing reports, summaries and resources.
Solid project management and organisational skills.
Excellent relationship-building skills and a collaborative approach.
Confidence working independently while contributing positively to a small team.

An understanding of the health or community services sector, or experience in advocacy or policy, will be highly regarded.

About the position

This role designs, delivers and evaluates high-quality engagement and systemic advocacy initiative involving consumers, carers and community members.

You will lead inclusive, trauma-informed engagement activities and translate lived experience into clear insights, reports and recommendations that influence health and social care policy, service design and reform.

The role also builds strong partnerships, contributes to organisational capability and leads engagement projects from design through to delivery.

Working across both core-funded and fee-for-free projects, this position plays an important role in strengthening HCCWA’s impact and sustainability.

A typical week might see you

Planning and facilitating a community workshop or consultation (online or in person)
Analysing feedback and turning community insights into a clear, engaging report
Meeting with health or community partners to plan or deliver engagement work
Developing content such as workshop materials, summaries or social media posts
Working with colleagues to identify emerging issues and opportunities for systemic advocacy
Contributing to a proposal or project plan for new engagement work
Supporting and connecting with consumer representatives and community members
Reflecting with the team on what’s working well and where you can improve

The role offers you

The opportunity to be a part of a workplace that is driven by championing West Australian consumer health rights
A welcoming, inclusive and supportive workplace, where everyone is encouraged to bring all of themselves
A competitive not-for-profit annual base salary with salary packaging
Flexible working arrangements including the opportunity to work from home occasionally

Please see our website www.hconc.org.au/about-us/employment/ for the job description for a full outline of responsibilities for the role.

Diversity and inclusion

Selection Criteria

Essential

3+ years’ experience in planning, delivering and reviewing engagement or co-design activities with communities, consumers or people with lived experience.
Confident facilitating groups of all sizes, in person, online or in hybrid settings.
Demonstrated understanding of inclusive, trauma-informed and equity-centred engagement practice.
Experience collecting and analysing consumer, community and lived experience feedback and presenting clear, easy to understand insights for different audiences.
Strong written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, concise and professional reports, summaries and other documents.
Ability to support systemic advocacy by identifying key issues and opportunities for change from the community and consumer experiences.
Demonstrated organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage timelines, budgets, risks and priorities, and changing client requirements.
Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to work with a wide range of people and organisations.
Able to work independently, use sound judgement and adapt to changing priorities.
A team focused approach, with a willingness to support others and contribute positively to the team.
Confident using Microsoft Office and willing to learn new systems such as project management, AI and CRM tools.

Desirable

Experience working in health, mental health, community services, advocacy, policy, social research or a related field.
Understanding of the WA health system and current issues affecting health consumers.
Experience contributing to fee-for-service work, grants, service agreements, proposals or business development.
Experience in deliberative engagement, community development, health promotion, training or capacity building.
Experience supporting membership, volunteer, consumer representative or community networks.
Interest in digital literacy and ability to identify and pursue opportunities for organisational improvement.

How to apply

Provide a cover letter of no more than two (2) pages addressing the selection criteria points 1, 3, 4 & 6, along with a current resume outlining your work experience, skills and any relevant education or training to Tania Harris, our Engagement & Systemic Advocacy Manager at jobs@hconc.org.au clearly stating which role you’re applying for. Applications that do not address the selection criteria may not be considered.

Applications close Monday 29 June 2026 at 9am

If you require any adjustments to submit your application or wish to have a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Tania Harris, Engagement and Systemic Advocacy Manager on (08) 6109 6709 or (08) 9221 3422

WA Winter Readiness Insights

Posted on June 12, 2026

Clare Mullen | Executive Director

Winter is coming here!

While I never watched a full episode of Game of Thrones, I’m familiar with the ominous warning that “winter is coming…”

If you’re involved in the health system as a consumer or community representative, then you’ll know that health services in the south of the state are battening down the hatches to prepare for the increase in people who get sick at this time of year.

But we know from our discussions with WA community members that people don’t want to get sick if they can help it. Getting sick during winter isn’t inevitable and we know that every time you get a group of health consumers in a room, people sharing their knowledge is powerful.

So while we couldn’t easily get almost 200 people together in a room, we’ve gathered views from 200 of you about how you stay well and if you’re stepping up your efforts as winter approaches. Here’s what you told us…

First up – you care about your health

Everyone does something to protect their health usually. With the most selected options being:

Wash hands
Get vaccinated
Eat as healthily as possible
Stay in touch with family and friends
Get some regular exercise

Getting regular check ups with your GP and sleeping well scored highly too.

Next – most of us are doing something extra to prep to avoid winter bugs

More than three quarters of respondents think about taking extra measures – including:

Getting vaccinated
Maintaining strong hygiene like hand-washing and using masks
Avoiding higher-risk environments during peak season
Staying home and keeping your distancewhen unwell
Building overall health and immunity
Paying attention to air quality and ventilation

Most of our respondents plan to get vaccinated if they’re eligible

More than 80% of respondents plan to get vaccinated and know where to go to get it done, with about 7% of respondents unsure. Among the people who say they’re not planning to get vaccinated, about 5 people express concern about the risks of vaccination, with another 7 people commenting on how they’ve experienced cold/flu-like illnesses after previous vaccinations.

We can all play our part in reaching the community target which gives us all the best chance of staying safe. At the time of writing we’re already over half way towards these targets – but there’s still a way to go. You can check out progress at the WA Health site here: https://access.health.wa.gov.au/immunisation

Finally, we want clear, accessible public health information in places where we already go

Many people who responded to our survey shared it would be helpful if getting vaccinated was as easy as possible. So it’s great to see the WA Government rolling out flu vax clinics across community settings including at the footy – check out this link to see the upcoming dates: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook%20Labor%20Government/-More-WA-footy-fans-to-roll-up-their-sleeves-as-flu-clinics-extended-20260521

People also said they want strong public health messaging and transparency – if you haven’t already, check out the WA Health website which has links to your nearest place to get vaccinated, as well as more information about what to expect.

Survey information

We shared a link to a MS Forms survey between 06/03/26 and 09/06/26. The link was shared with HCCWA networks via email and social media. It was also shared on Reddit in r/Perth. There were 191 respondents. Over three quarters of respondents belong to a group that is known to experience health inequities. Almost a quarter of respondents were between 35-44, and over one tenth of respondents were 75 or over.

Operations and Impact Manager

Posted on June 11, 2026

Do you want to be part of a team championing health rights for all West Australians?

Position Title: Operations and Impact Manager
Position description: Operations and Impact Manager
Location: HCCWA HQ Mount Lawley WA
Work Type: Full-time/Permanent
Level: SCHADS L7
Salary: $60.27-$62.79/hour + Superannuation
Applications close: Monday , 29 June 2026 at 8:00 am
Tentative interview dates: 6 July and 8 July 2026
Not For Profit (NFP)

About us

We work to amplify lived experience in health policy, planning, research and service delivery by:

Supporting individuals to navigate the health system and ensure their health rights are met through individual advocacy
Supporting community members to have their voices heard at every level of decision making in health in partnership with health services and Government
Championing equitable, person-centred, high-quality healthcare for all Western Australians

Our work is grounded in our values of equity, compassion, collaboration, courage, care and integrity.

About you

You are a highly organised and strategic operator who thrives on improving how organisations work. You bring a balance of big-picture thinking and practical implementation, with a strong commitment to purpose-driven work.

You will have:

Experience strengthening systems, processes and organisational effectiveness in a complex environment
Solid understanding of operations in a not-for-profit setting, including finance, HR, digital systems, risk management and governance
Strong judgement, initiative and the ability to manage competing priorities
Excellent communication skills, particularly in developing clear, accessible policies and processes
A collaborative, flexible approach, with a willingness to support others and “muck in” when needed
A genuine commitment to equity, inclusion and the value of consumer voices in health

About the position

The Operations and Impact Manager plays a pivotal role at the centre of HCCWA, ensuring the organisation runs effectively so our teams can focus on high-impact advocacy and engagement.

This role connects strategy, operations and delivery — strengthening systems, processes and governance while supporting day-to-day organisational performance. You will lead improvements across corporate services (HR, finance, IT, systems and facilities), drive continuous improvement, and ensure strong operational foundations that enable meaningful impact.

You will also act as a key member of the Leadership Team, contributing to decision-making, organisational continuity, and deputising for the Executive Director as required.

A typical week might see you

Working with the Executive Director to progress strategic and operational priorities
Leading improvements to internal systems, tools and processes to increase efficiency and impact, including HCCWA’s digital transformation plans
Coordinating finance, HR, IT matters with external providers
Supporting managers with recruitment, onboarding or performance processes
Reviewing and strengthening policies, governance processes and compliance systems
Improving how knowledge and information are structured and shared across the organisation
Troubleshooting operational challenges and identifying practical solutions
Representing HCCWA in meetings or forums and supporting organisational decision-making

The role offers you

The opportunity to be a part of a workplace that is driven by championing West Australian consumer health rights
A welcoming, inclusive and supportive workplace, where everyone is encouraged to bring all of themselves
A competitive not-for-profit annual base salary with salary packaging
Flexible working arrangements including the opportunity to work from home occasionally

Please see our website www.hconc.org.au/about-us/employment/ for the job description for a full outline of responsibilities for the role.

Diversity and inclusion

Selection Criteria

Essential

Demonstrated experience (5+ years) improving organisational systems, processes and overall effectiveness in a complex environment, including developing practical approaches to organising information, maintaining shared knowledge, supporting effective use of digital tools and platforms, and overseeing strong cybersecurity and data protection practices
Strong understanding of operational management in a small to medium not-for-profit organisation, including practical exposure to finance, HR and organisational governance and risk management with demonstrated ability to interpret financial reports (including P&L and balance sheet) to inform decision making
Proven ability to deliver complex projects and initiatives across teams, including managing competing priorities and driving work through to completion
Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise and user-friendly policies, procedures and governance documents
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to remain organised and effective in complex and changing environments
Ability to influence and work collaboratively across teams, supporting others to adopt improved ways of working
Experience in managing or working closely with external service providers (such as HR, IT, finance or similar), ensuring effective and value for money outcomes
High level judgement, initiative and accountability, including the ability to operate autonomously within defined boundaries and escalate appropriately
Demonstrated commitment to outcomes focused service delivery, with the ability to translate organisational priorities into practical action
Flexible and collaborative approach, with a willingness to “muck in” where needed to support delivery and build capability across the organisation

Desirable

A demonstrated interest in the aims and purpose of HCCWA
Experience with CRM systems and knowledge of MS Dynamics
Understanding of governance and compliance requirements in a non-profit setting
Experience supporting organisational growth including income diversification and fee for service delivery

How to apply

Provide a cover letter of no more than two (2) pages addressing the selection criteria points 1, 2, 3 & 7, along with a current resume outlining your work experience, skills and any relevant education or training to Clare Mullen, our Executive Director at jobs@hconc.org.au clearly stating which role you’re applying for. Applications that do not address the selection criteria may not be considered.

Applications close Monday , 29 June 2026 at 8am

Tentative interview dates: 6 July and 8 July 2026

If you require any adjustments to submit your application or wish to have a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Clare Mullen, Executive Director on 0488 7101839

Employment opportunities, join the team!

Posted on June 11, 2026

A great time to join HCCWA and play your part in improving health outcomes and strengthening the voice of health consumers in WA.

We have a number of opportunities to join the HCCWA team at the moment. Some of these jobs are open for recruitment now, others will come on board in the coming days. Please share these roles with people in your networks who might be great additions to the HCCWA team.

2 x full-time Advocates (L5) – 1 year contract with the possibility of extension
1 x part-time (3 days/week) Systemic Advocacy Lead – 1 year contract with the possibility of extension
1 x full-time Operations and Impact Manager (L7) – permanent
1 x full-time Engagement Lead: Consumers and Stakeholders (L6) – permanent
1 x part-time (3 days/week) Engagement Lead: Cultural Diversity (L6) – permanent

These roles have become available after some internal changes, and the availability of some fixed term funding from the WA Government.

To enquire about any of these roles, email jobs@hconc.org.au – to apply, follow the instructions for each of the jobs.

To see all the roles visit our employment page under the ‘About Us’ menu.

Everyone deserves honest, respectful communication when something goes wrong during healthcare.

Key takeaways

What is open disclosure?

When should open disclosure happen?

What has changed in the 2026 framework?

Why this matters for consumers in Western Australia

Cultural safety must be part of the conversation

Putting these principles into practice

What should consumers expect after a healthcare incident?

What if open disclosure does not happen?

What this means for consumer representatives and advocates

How HCCWA supports open disclosure

Frequently asked questions

Is open disclosure an admission of legal liability?

Can I ask for open disclosure?

Can I bring someone with me?

Does open disclosure replace making a complaint?

Learn more

Older people from multicultural communities and their access to, and experience of, healthcare

About Diversity Dialogues

Key Findings

1. Healthcare systems are often difficult to navigate

2. Language and communication remain significant barriers

3. Trust is essential for good healthcare

4. Cultural understanding influences healthcare experiences

5. Digital exclusion is becoming a healthcare barrier

6. Social isolation increases health risks

Community-led solutions

Recommendations

What this means for Western Australia

Acknowledgements

About Health Consumers’ Council WA

Join our eNews and let’s make healthcare fair for all!

“Older people from multicultural communities and their access to and experience of healthcare”

Report: 4 June 2026

Recommendations, solutions and suggestions

Strategies and Services Highlighted

Feedback

Conclusion

Health Consumers’ Council WA recognised as a national nominated finalist for consumer advocacy

For HCCWA, this recognition reflects the importance of independent health consumer advocacy in Western Australia.

Help shape fairer healthcare in WA

Join our eNews and let’s make healthcare fair for all!

What is culturally safe GP care? New research from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers

What Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers said matters most

What does culturally safe care look like in a GP appointment?

What consumers want to see change

Important findings about culture and identity

What this means for general practice

Where to next

Why this matters in Western Australia

Further reading & reference

Training for healthcare professionals

Further reading

Empower diverse voices to shape a more equitable health system for all in Western Australia

About us

About you

About the position

A typical week might see you

The role offers you

Diversity and inclusion

Selection Criteria

How to apply

Help shape a more equitable health system in Western Australia

About us

About you

About the position

A typical week might see you

The role offers you

Diversity and inclusion

Selection Criteria

How to apply

Winter is coming here!

First up – you care about your health

Next – most of us are doing something extra to prep to avoid winter bugs

Finally, we want clear, accessible public health information in places where we already go

Survey information

Do you want to be part of a team championing health rights for all West Australians?

About us

About you