Report Calls for Chronic Pain to Be Recognised as a National Health Priority
30 Jul 2026
The 2026 National Pain Report, released during National Pain Week, surveyed 6,059 Australians living with chronic pain to better understand its effects on health, employment and access to care.
According to the report, 86% of respondents said chronic pain has a significant impact on their daily lives, while 71% reported developing mental health challenges after the onset of their condition.
The survey also found that chronic pain is affecting workforce participation. More than half (57%) said their ability to work had been reduced, and 42% reported they were no longer able to work because of their pain.
The financial burden of managing chronic pain was another major concern. Nearly three in four respondents said the cost of healthcare limited their access to treatment, with many identifying medical appointments and medicines as their biggest expenses.
Delays in diagnosis also remain a challenge, with 40% of participants reporting they waited more than three years before receiving a diagnosis.
Chronic Pain Australia Chair Nicolette Ellis said the findings highlight the widespread impact of chronic pain and the need for greater recognition within Australia's healthcare system. She said improving awareness and measurement of chronic pain is essential to ensuring the condition receives appropriate attention in health policy and planning.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said chronic pain management should focus on the individual needs of each patient. He emphasised that GPs play an important role in developing personalised treatment plans that improve quality of life while also reviewing pain medicines when they are no longer providing benefit.
The report calls for greater recognition of chronic pain, improved access to care and stronger support for Australians living with the condition.
Report Calls for Chronic Pain to Be Recognised as a National Health Priority
Source: Chronic Pain Australia – 2026 National Pain Report and newsGP.