Recent provider governance reforms support your rights.
Providers must provide opportunities for people receiving aged care to join a consumer advisory body.
A consumer advisory body collects feedback from members and shares it with providers. Joining lets you share your concerns and ideas with those in charge of your care.
The provider must consider all the feedback when making decisions. They'll also let the consumer advisory body know how they considered the feedback.
How to join
Providers must invite the people in their care to join a consumer advisory body.
Membership is voluntary.
Your provider will supply details about:
- how it works
- what you need to do
- how they choose members if there are too many nominations.
They'll also ask your representatives if they'd like to join.
If you don't receive an invitation, talk to your provider. If that's difficult or uncomfortable for you, contact us for help.
You can also get support or advice from independent advocacy services.
The Older Person's Advocacy Network (OPAN) Support Line offers free, independent advice.
These arrangements don't apply to services offered through:
- the Commonwealth Home Support Programme
- the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Care program.
More information
- Our video on the reforms includes consumer advisory bodies.
- Read our advisory body fact sheet
- Being part of a consumer advisory body - fact sheet