Everyone has certain rights and responsibilities when accessing health care in Australia. Knowing your rights helps you better understand your care and be more involved in decisions about your health.
Learn more about:
- What are health care rights?
- Your health care rights
- Why are rights important?
- How are health care rights protected?
- Is discrimination unlawful?
- What are patient responsibilities?
What are health care rights?
The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights explains the 7 key rights for people receiving health care in Australia. You have a right to:
- access health care services and treatment
- receive safe care
- be treated with respect
- take part in decision-making
- receive clear information
- have your privacy protected
- give feedback.
Learn more about your key health care rights.
Why are rights important?
Knowing your rights helps you understand what to expect and how to take an active role in your care. You have the right to ask questions and get the information and support you need.
Person-centred care means your care is based on what matters to you. This includes your needs, preferences and values, and the needs of your family and carers. It helps your health care team understand your goals and include you in decisions. Making joint decisions about your treatment and care can lead to better results.
If you don’t feel comfortable speaking up, a support person may be able to assist you or call Cancer Connect 13 11 20 for more information.
How are health care rights protected?
Everyone who works in a health service must respect health care rights. This helps make care safe, high-quality and person-centred.
Some rights are protected by law. These laws cover unfair treatment (discrimination), medical care, professional behaviour, and privacy. Health professionals and health care services must follow these laws. Other health care rights describe what you can reasonably expect from your care, for example, getting a second opinion.
I wasn’t happy with the treatment recommended by the first specialist my GP referred me to, so I asked for a second opinion.
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Is discrimination unlawful?
Yes. In Australia, laws protect you from discrimination. Health services can’t treat you unfairly because of who you are. This includes your age, disability, race, sex, intersex variations, gender identity or sexual orientation.
See LGBTQI+ People and Cancer for specific challenges some people may face.
→ READ MORE: Your health care rights
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More resources
Elena Schiena, Social Work – Clinical Lead, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Tracey Bilson, Consumer; Tarishi Desai, Manager – Treatment & Supportive Care, McCabe Centre for Law & Cancer, VIC; Sarah Flynn, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Kim Greco, Lung Cancer Nurse Consultant, Flinders Medical Centre, SA; Dr Catherine Joyce, National Manager, Advance Care Planning Australia; Hall & Wilcox Lawyers; Linda Magann, CNC Palliative Care, St George Hospital, NSW; Joanna Page, Consumer; Brian Stace, Consumer; Dr Sabine Wardle, Senior Social Worker, Embrace Care Solutions and Charles Sturt University, NSW.
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