Health Consumers of Rural and Remote Australia (HCRRA) is a not-for-profit organisation which was incorporated in 1994. As a foundation member of the National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA), we are an active group involved in sharing information and developing networks with health consumers and consumer organisations throughout rural and remote Australia. We endeavour to inform policy makers at all levels of the experiences and opinions of consumers in rural and remote areas in an effort to ensure their views are taken into account in policy formation. Conversely, we also inform consumers of any Government health initiatives which may affect them.
HCRRA provides a unique opportunity for interface between Government and health consumers. It is important for policy makers and implementers to be aware, not only of the problems and concerns of those affected by their policies, but also those areas where policies have proven to be successful. Through our members and their many networks, HCRRA is to be able to collect the first hand experiences of consumers and, in so doing, make a real contribution to the policy making process by ensuring the debate is informed by wide practical experience.
HCRRA is run by a committee elected by the HCRRA membership and comprises a representative from each State and Territory. All are dedicated to their role of providing a voice to health consumers of rural and remote Australia and are highly regarded for the representative skills they possess. Committee members volunteer their time and efforts completely free of charge.