Painaustralia is Australia’s leading pain advocacy body working to improve the quality of life of people living with pain, their families and carers, and to minimise the social and economic burden of pain on individuals and the community.
Media Release
Pain Patients Left Behind Again
28 February 2025
South Australia's Largest and Longest Pain Service Forced into Inadequate, Decaying Space
Pain Patients Left Behind Again
Pain patients in South Australia, and especially those in rural and remote areas in Whyalla, Port Pirie, Port Lincoln and Port Augusta, are once again being sidelined, as the Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) Pain Management Unit (PMU) is being forced by the State Government into a substandard and fragmented relocation.
The biggest pain service in the state—treating 4,000 patients annually—is proposed to be split across two areas and moved into an ageing, 80-year-old decanted tower block, a move that would severely impact patient care and access to services.
This "temporary" relocation, driven by the need to create additional theatre beds for the new Queen Elizabeth hospital building, comes eight years after the pain clinic’s last “temporary” move. It raises serious concerns about the ongoing neglect of chronic pain patients, who are consistently overlooked in the health system.
Greens adopt policy to double allied health visits.
February 2025
Painaustralia would like to thank the Federal Greens party who have adopted our policy to double allied health sessions for pain management from 5 to 10. Painaustralia has advocated for this change for the last couple of years. It is pleasing to see the Greens acknowledge the needs of Australians living with chronic pain. To see the Greens' commitment visit here.
Shingles Survey Report
February 2025
A new Painaustralia report, It’s Not Just a Rash, released today ahead of Shingles Awareness Week (February 24 – March 2), reveals the alarming toll shingles takes on individuals and their families including financial hardship, long-term pain and health complications. The report, based on insights from over 100 Australians affected by shingles, underscores the need for broader access to the shingles vaccine.
Download the report here.
Cost of GP visits for young Australians
February 2025
Our Consumer Awareness Group member, Ben Nihill, chatted with Hack on triple j's Dave Marchese about the cost of GP visits for young people living with chronic pain.
Listen to the podcast here.
Paracetamol changes
February 2025
On 1 February 2025, new government regulations brought changes to paracetamol. For the past two years, Painaustralia has been a strong advocate - submitting our response and speaking before the TGA - to ensure that consumers living with pain continue to have access. Our CEO, Monika Boogs, spoke to News Corp media about the changes.
Painaustralia at Parliament House
in Canberra
September 2023 Image credit: idphoto.com.au
Last week Painaustralia gathered together with consumers, politicians, and members of the pain sector on the lawns of the Australian Parliament House in Canberra to ask for better multidisciplinary care so that all people in chronic pain can access the allied health and treatment services they need.
At our event, we asked the Federal Government to provide funding to increase the number of allied health visits to 10 per year.
We want to thank the many politicians who attended and spoke at our event, our sponsors, and most importantly the consumers who shared their stories on the day.
Painaustralia also held a showcase inside Parliament House attended by various politicians and health department officials to demonstrate how multidisciplinary care is carried out.
We want to thank all those who attended and supported us for helping make this such a successful day!
To find out more, go to www.walkmypain.com.au
My Pain Story: Benjamin Nihill
June 2023
The youngest member of our Consumer Advisory Group, Benjamin Nihill, speaks to CEO Giulia Jones about his pain story.
Despite facing a challenging setback in 2020 during his ADF training, when he got diagnosed with fibromyalgia, Ben has demonstrated remarkable resilience and rebuilt his life from the ground up.
His story serves as a testament to the power of determination and the ability to overcome obstacles.
Our Latest Media Release
Shingles: It’s Not Just a Rash
New Painaustralia Report Highlights the Devastating Impact of Shingles
21st February 2025
New Painaustralia Report Highlights the Devastating Impact of Shingles
Shingles is a debilitating and painful condition that affects one in three Australians in their lifetime, yet it is often dismissed as a minor rash. In reality, shingles can be life-changing, causing severe nerve pain, long-term health complications, and financial hardship. Despite its significant impact, awareness of the condition remains alarmingly low.
A new Painaustralia report, It’s Not Just a Rash, released today ahead of Shingles Awareness Week (February 24 – March 2), reveals the alarming toll shingles takes on individuals and their families including financial hardship, long-term pain and health complications. The report, based on insights from over 100 Australians affected by shingles, underscores the need for broader access to the shingles vaccine.
Among the report’s key findings:
- 92% of respondents experienced nerve pain, with nearly half suffering ongoing pain lasting more than 12 months.
- Many were unable to work, perform daily activities, or even manage basic self-care due to persistent symptoms.
- 53% of respondents reported their ability to work was affected, leading to lost income and financial strain.
- Many incurred significant out-of-pocket medical costs, with some spending thousands on treatment.
One devastating case was Robert Bakewell, a vibrant member of the Phillip Island community in Victoria, living independently and full of energy – until he got shingles in 2022 at the age of 88.
What began as mild discomfort quickly spiralled into relentless pain, confusion, and loss of mobility. Within months, Robert was unable to care for himself and was moved into care. He passed away nine months later.
“Shingles ravaged his body. He never recovered,” said his daughter, Libby. “We had no idea it could be this severe.”
Painaustralia CEO, Monika Boogs, said the report highlights the immense suffering that can be caused by shingles and the need for better vaccine access.
“The anguish and pain endured by some people with shingles is shocking. Painaustralia welcomed the Federal Government’s 2023 expansion of the National Immunisation Program (NIP) to provide free shingles vaccinations for Australians aged 65 and over. However, as shingles commonly affects people aged 50 and older, a significant gap remains for those aged 50 to 65, who face limited access due to the high cost of the vaccine.”
Ms Boogs also stressed the economic impact of shingles on working Australians.
“Shingles can strike people in their prime working years, causing chronic pain and financial hardship.”
“More than half of our survey respondents said their ability to work was affected, with many forced to take time off or even leave their jobs. Expanding vaccine access will not only prevent individual suffering but also reduce the economic burden of this preventable disease.”
Survey respondents themselves also overwhelmingly called for greater awareness and increased vaccine access.
One participant described the experience: “Shingles pain was like nothing I’ve ever felt before. It has changed my life completely. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”
For Painaustralia’s report on shingles and its impacts click here.
Media enquiries please contact Monika Boogs on 0419 423 603.
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