Category: News

Employment Opportunity | Systemic Advocacy Engagement Lead

Posted on January 15, 2026

Part-time to Dec 2026 with possible extension

Can you help us build a social movement in health?

Are you passionate about improving equity and participation in health? Do you love all types of data – including first person stories, other qualitative information and quantitative data – and are skilled at weaving these together to craft compelling cases for change that prompt action? Then this might be your perfect role.

Systemic Advocacy Engagement Lead, part-time (4 days/week), fixed term to December 2026 with the possibility of extension

At Health Consumers’ Council, we believe in people power. Through our engagement and partnerships work, we are building a social movement in health – where the people who use health and healthcare services, and the people who work in them, can work together to identify priorities for improvement and make positive and lasting change.

Health Consumers’ Council WA

Health Consumers’ Council WA (HCCWA) is an independent community-based organisation which was established in 1994, representing the consumer’s voice in health policy, planning, research, and service delivery. We stand for equitable, person-centred, quality healthcare and improved health outcomes and experiences for everyone in Western Australia.

About the role

This role reports to the Executive Director. You will work with people across the HCCWA team who work on Aboriginal engagement, cultural diversity engagement, consumer representation and consultation, and individual advocacy.

This role is 0.8 FTE (4 days or 22.5 hours/week) based in our offices in Mount Lawley with the possibility of working from home for up to 50% of the time.

The role is initially offered to the end of December 2026, with the possibility of extension subject to funding.

The role offers

  • The opportunity to ensure diverse consumer perspectives are represented at the highest levels of decision making in health
  • The opportunity to work on a wide range of projects and with people from a wide range of backgrounds
  • The opportunity to be part of a consumer-first organisation with a focus on improving health equity and championing health rights
  • A friendly and supportive team that’s making a tangible difference in the community
  • A competitive not-for-profit annual base salary – Level 6 Social Community Home care and Disability Award $55.72/hour + super
  • Salary packaging up to $15,900 per annum
  • Flexible working with the opportunity to work from home up to 50% of the time when settled in to the role

About you

  • You’re looking for a role where you can apply your strong analysis and writing skills to advance social justice
  • You’re interested in the health system and care about people’s experiences of it
  • You’re comfortable advocating for diverse consumer perspectives to senior decision makers – and just as happy to roll your sleeves up and tidy up after an event along with your colleagues

What you’ll be doing

This position synthesises consumer insights and other literature and evidence to write submissions to public consultations and respond to opportunities to promote HCC’s systemic advocacy agenda as they arise. You will gather insights from health consumers, carers, community members and people with lived experience to inform and create submissions and engaging informative content that is distributed across a number of platforms including social media, email, web and online and hard copy publications and materials. You will also participate in a number of high level committees across WA Health representing diverse consumer views.

A typical week might see you:

  • Hosting a focus group with consumers on a specific topic to inform HCC’s submission to a national consultation
  • Preparing a submission to a Parliamentary enquiry
  • Attending a number of Project Control Group meetings for high profile systemwide reform programs ensuring that diverse consumer perspectives are represented and understood
  • Collecting and reviewing a wide range of information – including first person stories, government policies and publications, social media content, data relating to HCC’s individual advocacy and engagement activities – and using this to produce reports using everyday language, for consumers and community members
  • Updating the HCC website to inform our members and others about our systemic advocacy activities
  • Staying across current issues relating to health and social care, ensuring timely and evidence-based position papers and information is available as needed
  • Meeting with counterparts in other health consumer advocacy groups to collaborate for maximum impact

See the job description for a full outline of responsibilities for the role.

What you’ll need to succeed in this role

Essential 

  1. 3+ years’ experience in a similar role
  2. Well-developed analytical skills including the ability to work with and analyse quantitative and qualitative data and present these in a format that is accessible to non-expert audiences
  3. Excellent English literacy, writing, editing and proofing skills, able to succinctly and quickly synthesise and present a wide range of information on systemic advocacy issues for a range of audiences including formal policy submissions
  4. Ability to quickly synthesise information from a range of sources into accessible engaging content for a range of media including but not limited to social media, media releases, blogs, briefings and articles
  5. Knowledge of the Australian health and health system context including the levers for change
  6. A belief in the importance of the role of health consumers as partners in the planning, design, monitoring and evaluation of health services
  7. Able to confidently and effectively express a diverse range of consumer perspectives in a range of settings including in meetings with senior decision makers, public forums and in written form
  8. Able to use a range of software programs including (but not limited to) WordPress, Canva (or other graphic design program), Survey Monkey, Mailchimp, Zoom and Microsoft Office (or the ability to quickly become proficient in these)
  9. Experience in organising meetings, workshops or events to gather feedback and insights from consumers and other stakeholders
  10. Collaborative working style with an ability and willingness to muck in with other team activities as required
  11. The ability to work autonomously and within deadlines, including managing a number of projects at the same time
  12. Proactive, reliable and flexible attitude and comfortable working in a fast-paced adaptive environment

 Desirable

  1. Strong networks in political circles
  2. Experience in campaigning on social issues

But if you have other skills and experience that you think makes you a great fit for this role, please tell about those too!

Diversity and inclusion

At Health Consumers’ Council 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, and people with disability.

To apply for the position

Send a cover letter of no more than two pages addressing the selection criteria in the job description, along with a current resume outlining your work experience, skills and any relevant education or training to jobs@hconc.org.au. Applications that do not address the criteria may not be considered.

  • The closing date for applications is 8am on Thursday 29 January 2026

But, we will be assessing applications as they come in and reserve the right to appoint before this deadline, so if this is your dream job, submit your application promptly

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 (08) 9221 3422 or email ceo@hconc.org.au

Job: Executive Assistant, part-time, to Dec 2026 with possible extension

Posted on January 15, 2026

Love organising? Eagle-eyed proof-reader? Like to be at the centre of the action?

We are passionate about the power of health consumer and lived experience voices to improve health outcomes and experiences for everyone in WA. We’re looking for someone who shares our vision to join our small but mighty team.

Executive Assistant, part-time, fixed term (to December 2026 with the possibility of extension)

We are seeking a highly organised Executive Assistant who loves people and being in a fast-paced environment with lots of variety. This is a pivotal role in an agile and growing organisation and helps ensure our Executive operations run smoothly and effectively.

The role is available for 25 hours/week to be worked across Monday – Friday.

The role offers:

  • A high degree of variety – working with the Executive Director on a wide range of activities and liaising with diverse community members and staff at all levels in the health and social care system
  • The opportunity to be part of a consumer-first organisation with a focus on improving health equity and championing health rights
  • A welcoming and inclusive workplace where everyone is encouraged to bring all of themselves to work
  • The opportunity to implement and streamline administrative processes to help us make the most of the limited funding we receive
  • A competitive not-for-profit annual base salary with salary packaging – Level 3.1 Social Community Home care and Disability Award $38.65/hour + super
  • Salary packaging up to $15,900 per annum

About you:

  • You’re looking for a role where you can apply your executive assistance and administration skills to do work that you care about
  • You’re highly organised and enjoy working in an agile and responsive environment
  • You’re interested in the health system and care about people’s experiences of it
  • You’re happy to muck in and enjoy working on a range of different projects and with different teams simultaneously

Position overview

This position provides expert administrative and governance support to the Executive Director and the HCC Board. This includes diary and travel management, secretariat support for Board committees, policy development and co-ordination, general office administration, and covering reception as required.  We’re looking for someone who will be proactive and work collaboratively with colleagues to support our work which has the consumer experience and voice at its heart.

A typical week might see you doing a range of tasks:

  • Coordinating the Executive Director’s busy diary in liaison with senior stakeholders across the WA health system
  • Organising the Executive Director’s email inbox ensuring that priority emails are identified and actioned
  • Following up on actions as directed by the Executive Director and senior staff
  • Assisting with planning and delivering a range of events, workshops and activities by organising attendee lists, logistics and catering and consumer payments and enquiries
  • Drafting, coordinating and proof-reading papers for upcoming Board meetings
  • Attending workshops and events when required to – this may include occasional after hours working
  • Greeting visitors to our offices, responding to our reception phone calls, and responding to emails through our main inbox
  • Managing the training room and equipment register
  • Monitoring and updating organisational policies, procedures and registers
  • Scheduling meetings, preparing agendas and recording minutes
  • Managing stakeholder contact details through our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system
  • General office admin including organising travel and accommodation
  • Generating simple reports and analysis from existing systems including data entry

See the job description for a full outline of responsibilities for the role.

Selection criteria

Essential

  1. A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar Executive Assistant role with a deep understanding of the requirements for attention to detail and confidentiality
  2. Well-developed interpersonal and verbal skills, with a demonstrated understanding of the sensitivity and empathy needed when communicating with vulnerable community members and senior stakeholders
  3. Well-developed written communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and concisely for internal and external use
  4. Excellent organisational skills, with high attention to detail and the ability to manage and prioritise deadlines and own workload with limited supervision
  5. Demonstrated ability to use initiative and solve problems within own area of responsibility
  6. Be adept, or be able to quickly become adept in, a range of office software programs including Microsoft Office 365 Suite, project management software, and accounting software

 Desirable

  1. A demonstrated interest in the aims and purpose of HCC, for example, experience as a health consumer representative or volunteering in a similar advocacy organisation
  2. Experience working in community services and not for profit sector
  3. Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders, and navigate difficult conversations when required

 

To apply for the position

Read the job description and send a cover letter of no more than two pages addressing the selection criteria, along with a current resume outlining your work experience, skills and any relevant education or training to jobs@hconc.org.au.

Please submit your application no later than 8am on Tuesday 27 January. 

However, note that applications will be considered as received and we reserve the right to progress recruitment before the closing date – so get your application in early.

Applications that do not address the criteria may not be considered.

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 (08) 9221 3422

Health Consumers’ Council WA calls for urgent action to address GP access and affordability in WA

Posted on January 12, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE
12 January 2026

Health Consumers’ Council WA calls for urgent action to address GP access and affordability in WA

The latest Cleanbill Blue Report reveals a mixed picture for Western Australians seeking GP care. While the national rate of fully bulk billing clinics has doubled to 40.2%, Western Australia lags far behind at just 19.8%, the second-lowest rate in the country. At the same time, out-of-pocket costs for those not bulk billed have risen to an average of $46.63, up nearly 10% from last year.

Health Consumers’ Council WA Executive Director Clare Mullen said these figures highlight a growing equity gap in primary care access across the state.

“Western Australians deserve timely, affordable healthcare, yet these findings show that too many people are still facing significant barriers. Bulk billing remains the exception rather than the norm in WA, and rising costs risk pushing care out of reach for those who need it most.”

The report also notes a national trend of GP clinic closures and consolidations, raising concerns about future availability of services in regional and remote WA.

“Consumers tell us every day about the stress and hardship caused by limited access to GPs. We need urgent, coordinated action to ensure that incentives translate into real improvements for WA communities—not just on paper.”

Health Consumers’ Council WA is calling for:

  • Greater transparency on GP pricing and availability.
  • Targeted support for clinics in WA to adopt bulk billing practices.
  • Consumer voices at the centre of policy decisions to ensure reforms meet community needs.

As an independent organisation advocating for health equity, HCCWA will continue to amplify consumer experiences and push for solutions that make healthcare accessible for all Western Australians.

ENDS

Media enquiries: 0488 701 839 | info@hconc.org.au

Bronwyn Ife  |  Systemic Advocacy and Engagement Lead

Clare Mullen | Executive Director

2025 Annual General Meeting Wrap-up

Posted on December 19, 2025

Our AGM was a great way to close out the year. The room had strong energy, thoughtful discussion, and a clear sense of shared purpose. It was encouraging to see so many people engaged, asking questions, and contributing their perspectives.

Thank you to everyone who attended, spoke up, and supported the work. Your involvement strengthens our collective voice and sets a positive tone for the year ahead.

We were delighted that the Minister for Health and Mental Health Meredith Hammat was able to spend plenty of time meeting attendees and chatting with guests before giving her address and responding to questions that had been gathered from members.

We were also pleased to present our Annual Report and audited accounts for the year. You can review those here https://www.hconc.org.au/about-us/annual-reports/

When healthcare gets hard, we stand with you

Posted on December 3, 2025

Your Christmas donation helps West Australians get the support they need when things go wrong or get too hard to manage alone

Every year, thousands of people across Western Australia find themselves stuck in a healthcare system that’s complex, overwhelming and often deeply distressing. Some struggle for months to get answers. Others can’t access the care they need. Many feel unheard, powerless and alone.

That’s where Health Consumers’ Council WA steps in.

We’re the only organisation in Australia that provides individual advocacy across the entire healthcare sector, from GPs and hospitals, mental health to allied health, across both the public and private systems.

For more than 30 years, we’ve been helping West Australians navigate healthcare when things get complicated.

We hear you. We’re independent. We’re free.

DONATE

How we help

We help patients, carers and their families to:

  • Understand their rights as a patient
  • Get the care they need
  • Speak up confidentially with an advocate by their side
  • Be treated with respect and cultural understanding
  • Fix problems so others don’t face the same issues

Beyond individual cases, we drive system-wide change

We identify patterns experienced by health consumers and provide evidence-based input to government decision-makers, helping to remove barriers in WA’s healthcare system. By resolving issues early and advocating for continuous improvement, we aim to strengthen healthcare accessibility, equity and quality for all Western Australians.

How your donation helps

Accessing personal medical records

Peter spent more than a year trying to access his medical records. When he approached our advocate Jenni at Health Consumers Council, a conciliation request was already in progress but moving slowly. Jenni contacted the practitioner directly, reminded them of their obligations and the issue was resolved quickly. Peter finally received his records and was able to move forward with is healthcare journey.

Informed choice in mental health care

Jamie believed she had no choice over her medication due to a Community Treatment Order. Advocate Chrissy checked with the Mental Health Tribunal and found an administrative error. Learning she was actually a voluntary patient empowered Jamie to attend her appointment feeling informed, respected and able to contribute to her own treatment.

Support during a difficult time

With her husband gravely ill, Janice, whose first language is not English, worried she would be pressured into decisions she didn’t fully understand. Advocate Helen explained the hospital process, clarified her rights and helped her prepare. Janice attended the meeting feeling calm, informed and ready to speak up on her husband’s behalf during an emotional and complex time.

Compassion in complex situations

Alex felt anxious about an upcoming hospital admission and uncertain how to explain their needs. Kerrie worked with them on a clear care plan and Sensitive Practice Request, then shared it with hospital staff. This preparation helped everyone understand Alex’s condition and needs, creating a calmer, more respectful experience.

What people say

“The Gold Standard”

“Jenni  is very approachable, she is a sincere and caring person, very professional and thorough. She was wonderful and if I need help anywhere again, she is the Gold Standard in which I will compare them to. Thank you.”

“Chrissy was fantastic”

“She honestly went above and beyond to help me and make sure I understood everything. Also beautiful and caring as well. Thank you Chrissy, you are a super star.”

“Thank you for going above and beyond to help me with my learning disability”

“Thank you so much for all your help and support in this matter Kerrie. You truly are amazing and very helpful. It is not often these days you find people that go above and beyond to help you and you truly have so thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart.”

A small team with a big impact 

In 2025, we:

  • Supported 1,249 people with individual advocacy
  • Took 4,560 advocacy actions on behalf of patients
  • Made 23 submissions to shape fairer healthcare policies
  • Met with 96 senior healthcare decision-makers to drive change

Your donation helps us reach more people and create lasting change in WA’s healthcare system.

Your tax-deductible donation helps us be there for those that need us 

We’ll be there for you and your loved ones too when you need us

We’re a registered charity and all donations over $2 are tax-deductible.

DONATE

Talking with, and listening to, the Diabetes Community in WA at the Perth Diabetes Expo

Posted on November 18, 2025

TLDR

Our team met with people living with diabetes at the Perth Diabetes and Health Expo. We heard concerns about stigma, cost, and access to care. These insights will guide our advocacy work to support fair and responsive services in Western Australia.

Aimee Riddell and Tania Harris attended the Perth Diabetes and Health Expo hosted by Perth Diabetes Care. The event brought together people living with diabetes, carers, service providers, and advocates from across Western Australia.

We used the opportunity to speak directly with consumers. People told us that cost remains a barrier to routine care. Some spoke about long wait times for support. Others raised concerns about the stigma linked to both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. These conversations helped us understand the real pressures people face each day.

People also told us that health services feel more respectful when consumers help design them. Many said that lived experience brings clarity to decisions about treatment pathways, education, and community support. Hearing this reinforced the value of strong consumer voice in every part of the health system.

Our team also met local organisations that support diabetes care. This included educators, nurses, community programs, and allied health providers. These groups play a key role in helping people stay well, manage daily tasks, and understand treatment options.

Events like this show the importance of building strong links between consumers and health services. They help ensure that decisions take real experience into account. They also help reduce stigma by giving space for open and honest conversations.

We thank Perth Diabetes Care for hosting the event. We look forward to future opportunities to stand with the diabetes community and support better access to safe, affordable, high quality care.

Not “Just a GP” – The Specialists in Everyday Care

Posted on November 12, 2025

We really enjoyed reading this article this week Not “Just a GP”: The Paradox of the Specialist Generalist and thought our readers would enjoy it too. GPs are specialists who undertake training in General Practice after they have qualified as a medical practitioner and worked in the hospital system. Just like all other specialties, it requires specific training and on the job learning.

The provision of primary care is crucial to all consumers and having good GPs in our communities is essential for our wellbeing. We expect a GP to be able to tell us if a mole looks strange, if our runny nose and cough will clear up by the weekend, if our recurring Urinary Tract Infections are anything to worry about and if they think we should see a psychologist because we can’t find the same joy in every day life that we used to. They will see a baby who won’t stop coughing in one appointment, an elderly patient who is showing signs of confusion in the next, a teenager with a suspected broken arm, another teenager who has stopped eating and started self harming, then a woman struggling with perimenopause. This takes training, vast amounts of knowledge, compassion and excellent interpersonal skills. They’re not “Just a GP”, they are primary care specialists who are often the first person we open up to without concerns.

HCCWA welcomes hospital investment, continues call for action to keep WA healthier for longer

Posted on November 7, 2025

Clare Mullen speaks about the Healthcare Consumers' Council

Health Consumers’ Council WA (HCCWA) welcomes today’s announcement by the WA Government of increased investment in hospital capacity, recognising it as an important step in responding to the current demand for hospital care.

HCCWA Executive Director Clare Mullen said the investment would be reassuring for people struggling to access timely care, and emphasised that the ultimate goal must be a healthier population that requires less hospital care in the first place.

“Every Western Australian deserves access to high-quality hospital care when they need it —but a truly sustainable health system keeps people healthy and supported before they reach crisis point,” Ms Mullen said.

“No one wants to need hospital care. Ill-health need not be inevitable. To reduce pressure on hospitals, we need to invest just as strongly in prevention, early intervention, and the social conditions that keep people well.”

Ms Mullen said consumers consistently raise concerns about the difficulty of accessing affordable and timely primary and community care and early intervention with health issues —particularly for people living with or at risk of chronic conditions, or in regional and remote areas.

“When there is a lack of early intervention programs, or people can’t access the right care at the right time, health problems escalate and hospital admissions become inevitable,” she said.

“It’s a relief to see hospital expansion to ease the current pressure on services. But without strong community-based options, as well as targeted investment in preventative health activities, the demand for acute care will keep rising.”

“Western Australians want to see a system that supports health, as well as one that treats illness — one that helps people to stay well, connected and supported in their communities.”

HCCWA is calling for a balanced approach that includes:

  • Long-term investment in early intervention and preventive health programs,
  • Better funding for community-based and multidisciplinary care, and
  • policies that address the social and economic drivers of poor health.

“This is a welcome and necessary investment in hospital capacity. And we look forward to partnering with WA Health to ensure consumers and community members are actively involved in shaping these important infrastructure projects,” Ms Mullen said. “And if we want fewer people needing hospital care, we must also invest in prevention.”

Perth, Western Australia — 06/11/25

For further information or media requests: 

Clare Mullen  |  Executive Director
0488 701839
clare.mullen@hconc.org.au

Meet your HCCWA team: Jen Rawson

Posted on October 29, 2025

Our team works hard for the people of WA, we’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of West Aussies and working hard to make patients, carers, loved ones – all health consumers – are at the centre of our healthcare system to make healthcare fair.

We’d like you to meet Jen, Information and Advocacy Officer – Individual Advocacy.

How long have you worked at HCCWA

I completed my placement at HCCWA in 2023 and have been employed since late 2023

What inspired you to work at HCCWA?

While I was on my final social work placement, I found that HCCWA aligned well with my personal and professional values of social justice, fairness and respect for persons. I was attracted by the passionate and caring team environment and feel extremely grateful to have been offered employment when my placement ended.

Describe what you do at HCCWA

I work in the individual advocacy team. My role is to provide advocacy to people who are experiencing an issue, inequity or barrier in the WA health system by supporting them to exercise their rights. I also work to amplify consumer voices to ensure their wishes and experiences are heard and respected. This can involve providing information or self-advocacy resources, supporting people to navigate the complaints process, writing letters on their behalf or attending appointments to undertake specific advocacy actions.

What do you think about HCCWA and the work we do?

I think that HCCWA is a passionate and fierce defender of health rights and I’m proud to be a small part of that.

How do you see your work helping to improve outcomes and experiences for everyone in WA?

I hope that the work I do advocating for fairness and change for individuals leads to small lasting changes in approach and attitude from health care providers that will spill over to the next consumers accessing a service.

Ever met anyone famous?

A very long time ago I sold Georgie Parker an Easter egg when I worked at Darrell Lea!

Consumer Voices Drive Change: A Win Against Predatory Dental Practices in WA

Posted on October 26, 2025

Joint AHPRA and ATO Statement Targets Predatory Dental Payment Practices

We’ve seen time and again that consumers speaking up can drive change, and last week was no exception. Consumers who have been impacted by poor practices by WA dentists have collaborated with HCC and together we are we are making changes.  

We celebrated a victory last week when APHRA and the ATO issued a very strong joint statement on the worrying misuse and overuse of the compassionate release of superannuation to pay for dental treatment. The agencies gave strong guidance to practitioners on the limited circumstances in which it is appropriate to use such payment methods and also undertook to investigate practitioners who they believe are using this system inappropriately. 

Unlike previous statements on this topic, which were framed as partly a caution to patients, this statement places the responsibility squarely with practitioners and with third party agents who may assist in completing applications for early release of super. We welcome this change in approach, and we are really pleased that these regulators have listened to consumers and to our advocacy in framing this message. 

We heard about this issue earlier this year, following the death of a dental practitioner who had taken substantial advance payments from patients for expensive dental treatment, but had passed away before delivering the treatment.  

In our research, we found a worrying number of practitioners who include in their advertising materials information that encourages people to withdraw their superannuation to pay for treatment. Some of this advertising appeared predatory and was often included incorrect information.  

After advocacy from us, in partnership with consumers and pressure from the media, there was a press release from AHPRA in late May which expressed concern about the increase in using superannuation to pay for treatment, and a great checklist of red flags for consumers. This was a pleasing start, but we continued our advocacy, as we were concerned that the messaging from regulatory bodies around this practice was not strong enough.  

The statement issued on 16 October is strong. It speaks of inaccurate statements being made by practitioners on forms supporting the release of superannuation, and of the penalties that people will face for making such statements. The consumers who have been left stranded are continuing their fight for justice through legal avenues, the media, and complaints processes. We are continuing to work with Consumer Protection, AHPRA and Choice Australia to explore avenues to protect consumers in future.   

 

Bronwyn Ife  |  Systemic Advocacy and Engagement Lead

Media enquiries: 0488 701 839 | info@hconc.org.au