Australian Digital Health Adviser: Michael Elwan on Bringing Lived Experience to Digital Health

I’m honoured to share that I’ve recently been appointed as a Digital Health Adviser - Consumer and Carer with the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA), a role that brings lived experience to the forefront of digital transformation in Australia’s health system.

So, what does this role involve? Over the next 12 months, I’ll be participating in a wide range of activities - reviewing communications materials, co-designing digital tools, contributing to strategic conversations, attending national forums, and ensuring that digital health initiatives reflect the realities of people’s lives, not just polished frameworks. Most importantly, I’ll be bringing forward the perspectives of people like my younger self - carers, migrants, people bereaved by suicide, and anyone who’s ever struggled to feel seen or safe in the health system.

This isn’t just about apps and platforms. It’s about digital dignity. About making sure that when someone logs into their My Health Record or downloads a new health app, it speaks a language they understand. That it feels human. That it works for someone living in remote WA just as much as it works for someone in the middle of Perth. That it takes into account language, trauma, privacy, disability, trust, and cultural belonging.

For those who follow my work, you’ll know I often speak about “systems transformation” rather than reform. This new role feels like another important strand in that tapestry - a space to advocate not just for inclusion, but for co-creation. Not just for consultation, but for meaningful engagement.

And so, I step into the role of Australian Digital Health Adviser with gratitude; to my community, to the mentors and peers who keep me grounded, and especially to the memory of my mother, whose life continues to guide my steps. I’ll be sharing reflections along the way, and as always, I welcome your insights, ideas, and challenges.

We all have a stake in this. Because digital health isn’t the future - it’s already here. And it’s time we make sure it’s built with all of us in mind.

Based in Perth, WA, LEXs provides telehealth counselling across Australia for individuals, couples, and NDIS participants. Services extend to Social Work supervision, Peer Work supervision, training, and keynote speaking on men’s mental health, CaLD community wellbeing, and culturally responsive suicide prevention; helping people and organisations make mental-health care more compassionate, inclusive, and effective. LEXs provides services across Australia, supporting clients in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and beyond. To learn more about our work across Australia, visit LEXs' services page.