Launch of Parliamentary Friends of Pain Management Group
Painaustralia is delighted to announce the establishment of the new Parliamentary Friends of Pain Management group of the Federal Parliament.
The Parliamentary Friends of Pain Management Group will be co-chaired by David Smith MP and Senator Wendy Askew. The friendship group will be a non-partisan group that is open to all Senators and Members.
Speaking on the launch of the friendship group Co-chair Senator Askew said, “Chronic pain exacts a large toll on individuals and our communities – health, social and financial. I am pleased to say that the Morrison Government has committed to making this a priority health issue with funding for the National Strategic Action Plan for Pain Management and implementation of some key actions such as a community awareness and education program, health professional education and training and take home naloxone to reduce the risks associated with opioid related overdoses. I am looking forward to working with Painaustralia and my parliamentary colleagues to lead practical solutions to this complex condition.”
Co-chair David Smith MP notes that, “I am delighted to be co-chair of this important group. I know within my electorate there are many people who face a daily struggle dealing with chronic pain. More broadly over 3 million Australians are trying to negotiate appropriate treatment and support to cope with their pain. I am pleased to be joined by other Parliamentarians committed to making the situation better for people with chronic pain. I am also pleased to be working with Painaustralia the peak body for the sector who have played such a critical role in advancing the National Strategic Action Plan for Pain Management outlining practical solutions to tackling this condition.”
The purpose of the group will be to raise awareness amongst politicians for better management of pain conditions, and explore opportunities to work with Painaustralia to improve the quality of life of the over 3.37 million people living with pain conditions, their families and carers, and minimise the social and economic burden of pain on individuals and the community.
Painaustralia Chairman Professor Ian Chubb welcomed the new group; “this is a clear indication that federal parliamentarians understand the significant impact that chronic pain has on our community. It is wonderful to see the strong bi-partisan support and I would like to thank each and every one of the members of this group for their enthusiastic response to the invitation. This group and its members will promote more discussion in the halls of parliament about practical solutions to addressing the needs of the 3.37 million Australians living with pain. I am optimistic we will see great progress on this front.”
The political leadership of this group will make a difference in the lives of millions of Australians living with chronic pain, their families and carers and the communities they contribute to.
Painaustralia thanks our co-chairs and each of the parliamentarians who have signed up to support a strategic national approach to managing chronic pain and we look forward to working with each of them. .
Read our Media Release here.
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF PAIN MANAGEMENT OF THE 46TH PARLIAMENT
