The House of Wellness

June 2025

Raising awareness and understanding of chronic pain in our community is one of the ways we can address the associated stigma. Our CEO Monika Boogs chatted to Sarah Maree Cameron and Gerald Quigley about chronic pain on the House of Wellness radio program aired around the country last Sunday. Listen here.

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

Read the media release here.

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.

Our Latest Media Release

Painaustralia Announces New Chair

16 June 2025

Painaustralia appoints new Chair

Painaustralia is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Corbell as the new Chair of the Board of Directors.

Mr Corbell brings a wealth of public policy and governance experience to the role, having previously served as the Deputy Chief Minister, Health Minister and Attorney General among other ministerial portfolios during his term as a member of the ACT Legislative Assembly between 1997 and 2016.

He is also currently the Chairman of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria and holds a range of board chair and non-executive director positions. Mr Corbell is widely respected for his leadership in health, justice, and climate policy, and has a long-standing commitment to legislative and public system reform that delivers equitable access and sustainable outcomes for the community.

“It is a privilege to take on the role of Chair at Painaustralia,” Mr Corbell said. “The organisation plays a critical role in advancing the needs of the 3.7 million Australians living with chronic pain. We must ensure their concerns and challenges are heard and that they have access to safe, effective, evidence-based pain care and treatments.”

Mr Corbell’s appointment, which takes effect from 1 July 2025, follows the term of outgoing Chair, Nicole McMahon, who has led the organisation through a period of renewal, transformation and growth since being elected in December 2023.

Ms McMahon expressed her thanks to the Board for their collaboration and dedication during her time as Chair.
“This board has been exceptional to work with. I am proud of the work we’ve done to strengthen our governance, deliver financial sustainability, plan for leadership succession, and engage deeply with stakeholders. Painaustralia is well-positioned to continue influencing meaningful change across the pain sector,” she said.

Ms McMahon also acknowledged the valuable working relationship with the appointed CEO Monika Boogs during her tenure, noting the constructive efforts to ensure a stable and forward-looking organisation.

"It has been a pleasure working alongside the CEO during this period of renewal. Together, we’ve focused on strengthening the organisation’s foundations and ensuring it is well-positioned to continue delivering meaningful support and advocacy for those living with chronic pain,” she said.

"Having also collaborated closely with Mr Corbell over the past few months to ensure a seamless transition, I am excited for the next chapter for Painaustralia under his leadership. I am confident that Mr Corbell will steer Painaustralia forward, championing and advocating for individuals affected by the challenges of chronic pain every day."

Mr Corbell expressed his thanks on behalf of the Board of Directors to Ms McMahon for her dedicated service during her time in the role leading Painaustralia.

“Painaustralia is grateful to Ms McMahon for her commitment to ensuring a stable organisation and the direction she has provided during her tenure,” he said.

As Chair, Mr Corbell will work closely with the Board, sector stakeholders, and consumers to drive implementation of the National Strategic Action Plan for Pain Management, ensuring it remains a priority for all levels of government and health care providers.

“We need to build greater awareness of the barriers and lack of equitable and affordable access to treatments and pain management care for those who live with chronic pain, particularly in rural and regional areas,” Mr Corbell said.

“Our focus will be on ensuring the Action Plan is fully implemented, that Australians have timely access to multidisciplinary pain management and treatments, and that no one is left behind due to postcode, income or background.”