The peak body for consumer health organisations, the Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF), will be in Perth next week to meet with local consumer health and social services organisations to understand how the recent rise in cost-of-living is impacting Western Australian's ability to afford and access their healthcare.
"What we have been hearing over east for some time now is just how tough keeping up with your healthcare costs are for many Australians, and in fact, for some it has become too expensive. Many consumers we have spoken to have told us how they have had to take extreme measures like rationing their medicines and food just to survive. We want to understand what the situation is like for consumers in WA," said CHF CEO Dr Elizabeth Deveny.
A key highlight of the week is a sector roundtable event where more than 30 representatives of health and social service providers from across Western Australia will share what they are seeing on the ground, as the cost-of-living continues to bite.
Dr Deveny welcomed views from industry stakeholders and stressed that their insights and diverse backgrounds will be invaluable to the roundtable and driving policy going forward.
"I look forward to welcoming everyone to the industry roundtable event and hearing ideas about how our sector can advocate for better affordability and equity, so consumers can better afford their healthcare and life and access the services when and where they need them.
"Given the upcoming federal election and budget, it is critical that we gather views across Australia so we can advocate for healthcare consumers on the challenges they face," stressed Dr Deveny.
While in Perth, CHF will also be meeting individually with a range of consumer health and social service organisations to build our understanding of the key issues health and equity issues facing Western Australians.
"As always, I'm looking forward to gathering the diverse views from across Western Australia.
"As we look ahead towards the next federal election, CHF will be ensuring consumer voices are heard in Parliament and this visit to Perth is key to amplifying that voice," Dr Deveny said.
