Australian Self-Care Alliance Urges Government to Act on Stalled Health Literacy and Consumer Engagement Strategies
The Australian Self-Care Alliance has issued an open letter to the Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, calling for urgent action on two critical national strategies to strengthen Australia’s preventive health system.
The Alliance expressed deep concern over the lack of progress on the National Health Literacy Strategy and the National Consumer Engagement Strategy for Health and Wellbeing, both identified as immediate priorities in the National Preventive Health Strategy 2021–2030.
“Targeted consultation on these strategies began several years ago, and the health sector has engaged in good faith throughout this process,” the open letter states. “Yet there has been no action since 2022. Further delays risk undermining confidence in the Government’s commitment to prevention and equity.”
The Alliance warns that without clear national direction and implementation, health inequities will deepen and opportunities to reduce preventable disease and healthcare costs will be lost.
“We commend the Government’s commitment to prevention, but momentum for health literacy and consumer engagement must not be lost,” the Alliance urges. “The time to act is now.”
The letter calls on the Government to:
- Strengthen partnerships with consumers in shaping policies and co-designing services.
- Improve access to clear, culturally safe, and actionable health information.
- Build a sustainable and resilient health system that empowers Australians in their own care.
The Alliance stands ready to support the Government in advancing this critical work.