One in five Australians is living with chronic pain—a condition experts describe as largely “invisible” within the national health system. Despite its prevalence and profound impact, chronic pain is still not consistently captured in national data or reflected in policy decisions.

A new national initiative, the National Pain Alliance, is now calling for urgent reform. Led by Chronic Pain Australia and bringing together major organisations including Endometriosis Australia, MS Australia, and Arthritis Australia, the Alliance is pushing to improve how chronic pain is recognised, measured, and addressed across the healthcare system.

At its launch in Canberra, advocates highlighted the scale of the issue: long diagnostic delays, fragmented care, reduced workforce participation, financial hardship, and significant mental health impacts affecting millions of Australians.

Brent speaks with Nicolette Ellis, Chair of Chronic Pain Australia, about what the Alliance hopes to change—and why the time for action is now.