Consumer Representative Opportunities
We are always looking for new consumer representatives. If you are interested in advocating for a better health system for all, please consider joining HCCA. Please note all HCCA consumer representatives must be members of our organisation and complete consumer representative training.
If you already know the details of the opportunity you want to apply for, you can skip to forms.
HCCA Internal Committees and Opportunities
Territory Health Infrastructure Consumer Reference Group
Are you interested in health infrastructure and the way it supports people to access health care?
The Territory Health Infrastructure Consumer Reference Group (HICRG) is seeking new members with diverse lived experiences to provide consumer input and advice to health infrastructure projects planned or currently underway in the ACT.
Since its establishment in November 2023, the HICRG brings together consumers, ACT Government staff and the Health Care Consumers’ Association (HCCA) to provide valuable input into the planning, design and evaluation of health facilities. The HICRG has played an important role in advising on topics such as patient and visitor needs, accessibility, all-gender amenities, wayfinding and more. Members have contributed to major projects including the Canberra Hospital Expansion Project, First Impressions project and community health facilities.
As a consumer representative, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Advise project teams on how infrastructure can better meet the needs of patients, carers and visitors.
- Contribute to discussions on accessibility, wayfinding, all-gender amenities and more.
- Participate in 4–6 online meetings per year.
For more information, please download the HICRG Information Sheet.
The nomination and endorsement process
Interested people can nominate for this opportunity by completing the nomination form. If you need support to complete your nomination, please contact HCCA on [email protected] or 6230 7800.
Nominees may then be invited to interview to complete the selection process. You can expect to hear about the outcome of your nomination in early July 2025. Following the successful completion of the nomination and interview, applicants will also need to complete consumer representative training (if they haven’t already) and receive an induction to the work of the committee before the first meeting. Training is free and will be arranged if necessary.
It is expected that the first meeting for new members will be in August 2025. Consumer members of the ACT Health Infrastructure Consumer Reference Group will be reimbursed.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact HCCA on [email protected] or 6230 7800.
Closing Date Extended: 11 July
ACT Opportunities
Calvary Bruce Private Hospital Comprehensive Care Working Group
The Comprehensive Care Working Group (which focuses on areas like falls, skin and pressure injuries, nutrition and hydration, end-of-life care, and advance care directives) overseas the comprehensive care standard where the main goal is to make sure that important care systems are working well together. This helps improve the safety and quality of care for patients, and ensures that key clinical processes are strong and reliable.
This working group would suit a consumer with knowledge of the Australian healthcare standards, has the time to read through paperwork between meetings, understand the data being presented and feel confident in contributing to the discussion.
When: The 4th Tuesday of every second month. Approximately six meetings year.
You can read the Terms of Reference for the group here.
Closing Date: 1 August
Calvary Bruce Private Hospital Infection Prevention and Control Committee
The Infection Prevention and Control Committee works to improve patient care and safety by supporting good infection control practices across the hospital. It oversees efforts to meet national health and safety standards and ensures the hospital is continually improving in these areas. The committee also makes sure the hospital meets all necessary requirements for official health accreditation.
This committee would suit a consumer with a knowledge of Standard 3 – Preventing and controlling healthcare associated infections, capacity to contribute to discussion about quality improvement initiatives and bring a consumer voice and perspective to complex discussions.
When: The 1st Tuesday of every second month. Approximately six meeting a year.
You can read the Terms of Reference for the group here.
Closing Date: 1 August
Calvary Bruce Private Hospital Partnering with Consumers Working Group
The Partnering with Consumer Working Group helps make sure that patients are involved in shaping how care is planned and delivered at Calvary Bruce Private Hospital. It focuses on improving safety and quality by listening to patient feedback, encouraging clear communication, and involving consumers at all levels of care. The group also ensures that the hospital’s systems and practices meet national safety standards while staying flexible to support innovation.
This working group will suit a consumer with a strong voice and ability to bring consumer voice and perspective to the discussion.
When: Quarterly, two meetings for the remainder of 2025.
You can read the Terms of Reference for the group here.
Closing Date: 1 August
National/Interstate Opportunities
None at present
Other opportunities
Become a peer facilitator for the “Getting Ready” project
With voluntary assisted dying coming to the ACT later this year, a group of researchers are working with ACT communities to learn more about what education we feel we need when we’re planning end-of-life choices.
These researchers would like to train and pay community representatives to become “peer facilitators” and help their community participate (through surveys and discussions) in the Getting Ready research project. Some communities need extra support to be heard. The researchers are particularly keen to partner with people who identify as a member of communities like:
- People with lived experience* of poverty or financial stress
- People without stable or appropriate housing currently/previously
- People with lived experience of the criminal legal system
- People with lived experience of mental illness
- People with a disability unrelated to a life-limiting illness
- People with lived experience of harmful use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs
- People who identify as LGBTQI+
- People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- People of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent
- People with veteran status
- People living in residential aged care or receiving a level 3 or 4 home care package
Read more about this opportunity in the role description. Express your interest in the role using this form. If you have any questions, contact the Getting Ready Research Team: 0435 104 932 or [email protected].
Conference Sponsorship Opportunities
None at present