A message from the CEO
Welcome to the first newsletter of 2019, a year that is set to be full of change and challenge.
It is a year that is off to a great start, with Painaustralia’s founding CEO, Lesley Brydon, named a Member of the Order of Australia for her role in implementing the National Pain Strategy. Congratulations and a well-deserved honour to Lesley who has been a relentless advocate for better pain management in Australia.
Painaustralia’s short-term priorities include working with the Commonwealth Health Department to place the National Action Plan for Pain Management on the agenda of the Principal Health Committee prior to its consideration by the Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council.
In election year, there is a need to ensure that pain is included in public and policy debates. We will continue to promote key positions that reflect our members’ input in areas such as private health insurance, aged care and veterans’ health.
In December, the Painaustralia Board undertook a strategic planning process setting key priorities in the following areas: advocacy, evidence-based policy, community awareness and information and organisational sustainability. The Strategic Plan is currently being finalised and will available on our website shortly.
It’s hard to believe we’ve only just begun the year with so much happening at Painaustralia. We look forward to working with, and representing the views of our members in the busy year ahead.
Carol Bennett
Painaustralia CEO