Community activism in the health policy process: the case of the Consumers' Health Forum of Australia, 1987—96

Abstract

In this chapter, the author explores community activism in the health policy process through analysis of the nature of activism engaged in by the Consumers' Health Forum (CHF) of Australia, from its inception in 1987 through to 1996. He provides a definition of the key term 'health policy'. He then gives an overview of the 'unbalanced political market in health care', and defines 'policy activism' within this context. He then moves on to examine the nature of community activism in the health policy process which was facilitated by the Consumers' Health Forum in its first decade of operation. The CHF was established to strengthen the 'voice' of the consumer and community sector in health policy decision-making. The term 'health policy' includes also the election and other policies of political parties, that might or might not be translated into government action at a later stage.