The latest health and aged care news includes calls to improve care for people with chronic pain and to expand access to voluntary assisted dying. A National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Summit also made recommendations for action.
Chronic Pain Australia (CPA) released its 2026 National Pain Report, calling attention to Australia’s National Pain Gap – the disconnect between the widespread impact of chronic pain and the lack of recognition, measurement, and action within Australia’s health system. The report highlights the need for better data to inform planning, investment, and health system improvements.
Chronic Pain
The Australian Pain Society (APS) supported CPA’s call for equitable access to evidence-informed, multidisciplinary pain care, regardless of where people live or what they can afford. APS President Bernadette Smith emphasized the need for nationally consistent pain data to evaluate pain care and improve outcomes.
Voluntary Assisted Dying
Calls to improve care for people with chronic pain and to expand access to voluntary assisted dying are among the topics covered this week.
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Ministers and Government
Health Minister Mark Butler appeared on the Sunrise television program to discuss the proposed reduction of the private health insurance rebate for older Australians.
Consumer and Public Health Groups
Mental Health Australia (MHA) called for support for children and families, better access to psychosocial supports, and boosting Australia’s mental health workforce to be central priorities in the next National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement.
Trade Unions
The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) said every new graduate nurse must be guaranteed access to structured transition support to practice, with up to 30 percent of early career nurses abandoning practice within years of starting.
International Organisations
The OECD released its updated Health Statistics database, with the latest figures and trends on health spending, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, among other topics.
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Consultations and Inquiries
Several government bodies and parliamentary committees have requested responses to consultations or submissions to inquiries, with deadlines ranging from 5 August to 16 October.
They are seeking input from various stakeholders to inform their decision-making processes.
It is essential for stakeholders to participate in these consultations to ensure their voices are heard.
The outcome of these consultations will have a significant impact on the healthcare system.