Request a Consumer Representative for a Committee

This form is for Canberra Health Services, ACT Health Directorate staff and other associated organisations to make a request for an ACT Mental Health Consumer Network (the Network) Consumer Representative for their committee.

Consumer Representatives of the Network do not provide individual advocacy services. If you require this support, please visit our Useful Contacts page for referrals to services that do provide individual advocacy.

The Network has a team of Consumer Representatives who have all completed mandatory training in Consumer Representation. Each Consumer Representative brings a rich diversity of lived experience and committee skills that is valuable to decision-making processes.

The Network invites Consumer Representatives to nominate for a position on committees who notify us of vacancies. A Steering Committee assesses all nominations for a committee position and makes decisions about appointments. It can take between 4-6 weeks to complete the recruitment process. If you need a Consumer Representative more urgently, or you have any other questions, please contact the Network on 02 6145 0075 (direct line) or representation@actmhcn.org.au.

The Network is firmly committed to Consumer Representatives being appropriately reimbursed to ensure they are not out of pocket for their valued expertise and participation. We maintain that the appropriate level of reimbursement for Consumer Representatives is that set by the Canberra Health Services procedure, Consumer, Carer and Community Representative Reimbursement (CHS25/048). The rate of reimbursement specified in this procedure is $100 for the first two hours (or part thereof) and pro rata thereafter.

We recognise that in some cases an organisation may be unable to reimburse Consumer Representatives at the appropriate rate. In such cases, the Network, when able, will make arrangements to ensure the Consumer Representative receives reimbursement at the appropriate rate.

Reimbursement is ordinarily paid by the requesting organisation. However, we are willing to work with you to reach an agreement about how this expense can be covered if required.

It is very important that the consumer voice is heard in committees and in the broader community. We thank you for showing commitment to the value of lived experience by inviting a Consumer Representative to participate as a member of your committee.

So that the Network can advertise the vacancy and appoint a suitable Consumer Representative, please complete and submit the following form.