Health Issues journal edition details

Consumer Experiences: Iva Steinke

This article is based on an interview Iva gave late last year. In it, Iva speaks of her experiences as a consumer advocate and her hopes for consumer participation and the health system in the future.

Editorial by Marilyn Beaumont

This edition of Health Issues focuses on women’s health at an important time in the evolution of women’s equality in Australia. With the early signs of a changed national public policy environment following the 2007 election of a federal Labor government, it is important to be reminded of our shared history, as Gwendolyn Gray does in her analysis. She provides a clear understanding that change and making governments responsive to women’s perspectives and concerns depends on being very close to the engines of power and having resources to undertake research, analysis and advocacy both inside and outside government.

One Swallow Doth not a Summer Make: What Does it Mean to Consult Consumers? by Ian Roos

On 20 November 2007, Health Issues Centre held its Annual General Meeting where Ian Roos, Chair of Cancer Voices Victoria, gave a presentation that examined the present state of consumer participation in health services and how it needs to be improved. This article is developed from Ian’s presentation.