Health Consumers Tasmania (HCT) is proud to celebrate the official launch of It’s OK to Say! – A Healthcare Rights and Complaints Resource for Tasmanians, a new paper and online resource designed to help Tasmanians better understand their healthcare rights, raise concerns and navigate complaints pathways when something doesn’t feel right with their care.

The launch on the 17 June brought together consumers, community organisations, healthcare stakeholders and government representatives to mark an important milestone in supporting safer, more person-centred healthcare across Tasmania. We were honoured to be joined by Department of Health Secretary Dale Webster, who officially launched the resource on behalf of the Hon. Bridget Archer MP. We sincerely thank Healthy Tasmania within Public Health Services for funding this innovative work and recognising the importance of empowering people to have a voice in their healthcare.

The resource is the result of extensive co-design led by HCT Advocacy & Impact Lead, Hannah Fielder, working alongside a dedicated Consumer Oversight Group whose lived experience, insights and vision shaped the project from beginning to end. Their contributions ensured the resource was developed by consumers, for consumers, reflecting the real experiences and needs of Tasmanians. To Ella, Ash, Hui, Ana, AMS, Jen and Martin, thank you so very much. You have made this resource what it is and will continue to steer its path in the right direction.

We also extend our gratitude to the many organisations that collaborated throughout the project, including the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra), the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, the Office of the Health Complaints Commissioner, and numerous community sector organisations. Their expertise and willingness to work together helped create a practical and accessible resource that supports people to understand their options and take action when needed.

A special thank you also goes to Yaz from Rich-Media, whose outstanding graphic design and creative work brought the resource to life in a way that is engaging, welcoming and easy to use.

Healthcare rights are fundamental to safe and respectful care. Yet many people are unsure what their rights are, where to go for help, or how to raise concerns when their healthcare experience falls short of expectations. It’s OK to Say! aims to change that by providing clear, accessible information and practical guidance for Tasmanians.

As an Australian-first initiative, this resource demonstrates what can be achieved when consumers, community organisations, healthcare stakeholders and government work together with a shared goal. We are incredibly proud that this innovation was developed right here in Tasmania and hope it will help many Tasmanians feel more confident speaking up, asking questions and advocating for the care they deserve.

Thank you to everyone who attended the launch and contributed to this important work.

You can access the online resource here: somethingfeeloff.org.au
If you would like to order any of the paper resources you can do so here: Resource Request
View the photo gallery from the launch event below.
Photo credit: Cassie Sullivan Photography (@cassiesullivanphotography)