What is a Consumer Advisory Body? 

A Consumer Advisory Body is a group of aged care consumers and their family members or representatives, who meet regularly to share feedback on the quality of care and services being provided. This feedback is passed directly to the provider’s governing body, the people responsible for the overall direction, safety and quality of the organisation. 

It’s not just a box-ticking exercise. Under aged care governance requirements, a provider’s governing body must formally consider the feedback raised by the Consumer Advisory Body and respond in writing, explaining how that feedback was used. In other words, when you raise something, your provider is required to listen, respond and show what they did about it. 

Why it Matters 

Consumer Advisory Bodies exist because good aged care should be shaped by the people receiving it, not just delivered to them. Being part of one gives you: 

• A direct line to decision-makers. Your feedback goes straight to the people who set the direction of the organisation, not just frontline staff. 

• Real influence. Suggestions from Consumer Advisory Bodies can shape everything from day-to-day service delivery to broader strategic decisions. 

• A sense of connection. Many members say that joining a Consumer Advisory Body helped them connect with others going through similar experiences and feel less alone in navigating the aged care system. 

• A stronger, safer service overall. Provider feedback loops like this are designed to catch issues early and continually improve the quality and safety of care. 

Who Can Get Involved? 

You don’t need any special experience or qualifications to join. Consumer Advisory Bodies are designed to include a mix of current consumers and their supporters or representatives and providers are required to make sure the group reflects the diverse backgrounds of the people they support. If you find it hard to participate for any reason, your provider should be helping you find a way to take part that works for you. 

If you’ve ever thought, “I wish someone would ask me what I actually think about my care,” this is that opportunity. 

Why Join Chris Barnard Health’s Consumer Advisory Body 

At Chris Barnard Health, we don’t just meet our Consumer Advisory Body obligations, we actively invest in making them meaningful. Here’s what sets our approach apart: 

• Real follow-through, not just formality. Every piece of feedback our Consumer Advisory Body raises is taken back to our governing body and answered in writing, so you can see exactly how your input shaped a decision, not just that it was noted. 

• A team that already knows you. Because we invest in our own workforce rather than relying on rotating agency staff, the people hearing your feedback are the same familiar faces supporting your day-to-day care, so your voice carries the weight of a real, ongoing relationship. 

How to Get Involved 

Getting involved is simple: 

1. Talk to your provider. Ask about the Consumer Advisory Body at your service, when it meets and how to join. 

1. Bring a family member or supporter along if that helps you feel more comfortable contributing. 

1. Share what matters to you. You don’t need a polished presentation. Real, honest feedback about your experience is exactly what these groups are there for. 

Want to Get Involved with Chris Barnard Health? 

Your voice is powerful and we want to hear it. If you’d like to find out more about our Consumer Advisory Body or how to get involved, get in touch with our team: 

Phone: 1300 602 469 

Email: homecare@chrisbarnardhealth.com 

We’re here to make sure your experience of care is shaped by you, not just delivered to you.