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Key facts:The Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) has launched National Spinal Health Month (1–30 June 2026), themed A healthy spine supports a healthy mind, releasing both a clinical research study and national survey highlighting the physical, mental, and financial toll of back pain on Australians.
A national survey of 1,040 Australian adults found 87.1% experienced back pain in the past 12 months, with chronic pain (lasting more than three months) surging from 30% in 2024 to 44.1% in 2026, and nearly 70% of sufferers reporting a mental health impact.
Rising cost-of-living pressures are preventing almost half (44%) of back pain sufferers from seeking professional treatment, with consultation rates falling significantly across GPs (–14.4%), physiotherapy (–23.1%), and chiropractic (–19.4%) since 2024, whilst over-the-counter pain medication use has risen to 86.4%.
A clinical feasibility study conducted through CQUniversity and Macquarie University’s MindSpot programme found that integrating online psychological pain management with routine chiropractic care improved both mental health and musculoskeletal outcomes, with 90% of completers saying they would recommend the programme to others.
Musculoskeletal disorders including back pain cost the Australian economy $55.1 billion annually, with 28.5% of working-age Australians with low back pain requiring time off work or becoming unable to work, underscoring the urgent need for integrated, non-pharmacological treatment approaches.

TODAY, the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) launched National Spinal Health Month (1-30 June) with the theme, “ A healthy spine supports a healthy mind” to minimise the occurrence of back pain and the impact chronic back pain has on the mental health of Australians of all ages.

ACA President Dr Billy Chow said, “The coexistence of back pain and mental health conditions is associated with impaired quality of life, while the increased risk of developing chronic musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) poses a significant financial burden on sufferers particularly as the cost-of-living bites.

While chronic back pain can lead to developing psychological and social problems, depressive symptoms can worsen back pain and increase the disability associated with the condition, which in turn can exacerbate back pain’s negative impact on the mental health of sufferers,” Dr Chow said.

In launching its month-long Spinal Health Month campaign, ACA has released Australia’s first clinical research study that explored the feasibility and acceptability of adding an online, psychologically informed pain management program to the usual healthcare provided by chiropractic musculoskeletal clinicians.

The clinical research study conducted out of CQUniversity in conjunction with Macquarie University’s MindSpot digital psychological care program, funded by ACA, was conducted by Dr David McNaughton (PhD Psychology), a chiropractor, clinician, academic, Senior Lecturer at CQUniversity and ACA member.

The study, “ Adding an online psychologically informed pain management program to routine musculoskeletal care in Australia: A feasibility study,” examined how the mind and body communicate when integrating therapies for psychology and physical health.

Dr McNaughton said, “The results are encouraging showing that in applying the biopsychosocial model focussed on the relationship between spinal health, chronic pain and the psychological impact pain has on a person’s mental health, we can help mitigate the impact MSDs have on both physical and mental health.”

Underpinning the significance of Dr McNaughton’s findings, today, the ACA also released new data from an independent national public survey by global research company Pureprofile, Back Pain In Australia: The Impact on Mental, Physical & Financial Health, demonstrating a concerning increase in back pain, the mental health consequences for sufferers and how the cost-of-living is preventing patients from seeking medical treatment.

The survey found 87.1% of Australian adult respondents (n1040) experienced back pain within the past 12 months with almost three quarters (69%) reporting it impacted their mental health, and nearly half (45.9%) reporting moderate to extreme impact.

In the past two years, chronic pain has surged 22% with the proportion of back pain sufferers with chronic pain (lasting more than three months) increasing from 30% in 2024 to 44.1% in 2026, while the rising cost of living continues to heavily impact households, driving widespread cost-cutting including for healthcare.

44% of back pain sufferers reported that the cost of living has prevented them from seeking treatment from a healthcare professional with GP visits down 14%; physiotherapy down 23%; and chiropractic down 19% since 2024; while the use of over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications to treat their pain has risen substantially.

86% of sufferers reported using OTC pain medication for back pain – up from 81% in 2024, while 64.5% reported using prescription medication. 49% have never sought a medical diagnosis for their back pain.

Of concern is that 1 in 10 back pain sufferers reported taking OTCs daily despite established clinical evidence by the University of Sydney that found paracetamol is no more effective than placebo for low back pain, and the WHO guidelines (2023) recommending medication only as an adjunct to active treatment, not as a primary or long-term intervention.

Significantly, over this past year, 52% of back pain sufferers reported that back pain added to their mental load with women hardest hit reporting higher chronic back pain and that they were more likely to experience mental health consequences, while 55% reported it added to their mental load, and 28% said they were more likely than men to avoid treatment due to cost.

6.1 million Australians are already affected by MSDs, of which 58% are of working age in peak income-earning years (25-64 years) with the annual cost to the Australian economy $55.1 billion including direct health costs, lost productivity and reduced quality of life (Deloitte).

The survey found 28.5% (almost one third) of peak working age Australians who suffer low back pain required time off work or were no longer able to work due to their back pain.

Dr McNaughton said, “ With MSD cases including back pain projected to increase by 43% over the next two decades including a surge in older Australians living with MSD conditions, research that supports psychologically informed pain management in addition to clinical musculoskeletal healthcare is vital in minimising the overall burden of MSDs on Australians’ health and wellbeing and the economy.

Dr McNaughton’s study is the first to assess the integration of clinical treatment of MSDs and online psychological pain management programs to minimise the physical and emotional impact chronic musculoskeletal pain has on the overall health and wellbeing of sufferers.

By integrating clinical chiropractic treatments with psychologically informed pain management in a biopsychosocial model, we can help minimise the overarching impact MSD pain (including back pain) has on sufferers,” Dr McNaughton said

The study recruited 26 musculoskeletal clinicians (19 chiropractors, 73%) to evaluate their attitudes and perspectives on the psychologically informed pain management program and to invite patients undergoing musculoskeletal healthcare to participate in an online pain management program.

In addition to traditional musculoskeletal treatment, the MindSpot Pain Course, a well-established, data-driven psychologically informed pain management program offering strong data validation in pain-related disability, anxiety, and depression for thousands of participants, was selected as the online mental health service.

The MindSpot Pain Course based on cognitive and behavioural principles suitable for people with a range of persistent pain conditions and pain-related difficulties comprises five online “lessons” (or modules) and associated practice exercises released over eight weeks.

Of the 60 patients with persistent musculoskeletal pain that participated, 40 (66%) completed an initial online psychological assessment; 29 (48%) went on to enrol in the MindSpot Pain Course; 22 (36%) completed the program while undergoing their usual treatments by their musculoskeletal clinician; 76% completed the MindSpot Pain Course; and 42 (70%) of the 60 patients completed the follow up questionnaire at 4 months.

Patients who completed the MindSpot Pain Course consistently reported positive experiences around course process, course experiences and found the program beneficial, acceptable and useful in helping to manage their chronic musculoskeletal pain and psychological symptoms in conjunction with chiropractic treatment.

The results of the study are promising with all psychological and musculoskeletal pain-related outcomes of patients appearing to improve across all participants, with patients reporting that the referral by their trusted clinician was critical to their participation and completion of the MindSpot Pain Course, particularly among patients who had not been previously exposed to psychological therapy,” said Dr McNaughton.

To minimise the long-term implications of MSDs including back pain, sufferers should seek drug-free, chiropractic healthcare to treat the cause, not just the symptoms to inhibit the risk of chronic pain and mitigate negative secondary implications including the impact chronic pain has on mental health and overall wellbeing.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Mid North Coast.

Lewis Patterson, aged 29, was last seen on Manning Street, Tuncurry, about 5pm yesterday (Saturday 30 May 2026).

When he was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Manning Great Lakes Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

There are concerns for Lewis’s welfare.

Lewis is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, of solid build, with brown hair, brown eyes, and unshaven.

He was last seen wearing a black shirt, black shorts and a black puffer jacket.

Lewis is known to frequent the Tuncurry area.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Newcastle area.

Adam Hinks, aged 57, was last seen on Thornton Street, Carrington, on Friday 29 May 2026.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and hold concerns for Adam’s welfare as he requires regular medication.

Adam is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of thin build, with grey hair and green/hazel eyes.

He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and brown pants.

Inquiries established his right arm is in a sling.

Adam is believed to frequent the Carrington area.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will travel to Singapore this week to attend the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue.

Convened by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the annual Shangri-La Dialogue is the region’s pre-eminent defence and security forum. It brings together leaders from across the Indo-Pacific and the world to discuss shared international security challenges and responses.

During the Dialogue, the Deputy Prime Minister will address regional maritime security issues during the third plenary session on Asia’s Maritime Security Disorder. He will also meet with a range of global and regional defence counterparts.

The Deputy Prime Minister will then travel to India, where he will meet with Indian Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh for the 2nd Australia-India Defence Ministers’ Dialogue. First held in Australia last October, this meeting reflects unprecedented progress in the bilateral defence partnership and a shared ambition to enhance cooperation.

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“In a deteriorating strategic environment, the Shangri-La Dialogue provides an important forum to engage with partners on shared challenges.

“We remain committed to deepening diplomatic and defence relationships to strengthen cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.

“Australia and India are top-tier security partners. I look forward meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to further strengthen our defence partnership following the strong progress we made during his visit to Australia last year.”

Missiles made in Australia will now include more locally-made components as Australia takes the next step in establishing a domestic missile manufacturing industry.

The Albanese Government has signed a contract with Lockheed Martin Australia to begin domestic manufacturing key guided weapons components, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to establish a sovereign guided weapons industry and a future made in Australia.

Lockheed Martin will initially work with two Melbourne companies, Moog Australia and AW Bell, to deliver key parts for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missile system. Worth $120 million in total, the contract will create dozens of new jobs and open pathways for Australian‑made components to enter the global supply chain, supporting export opportunities and long-term industry growth.

Moog Australia has been selected to design and build a GMLRS Control Actuation System. This system helps steer the missile accurately during flight to hit long-range targets with precision. Engineers from Australia and the United States will take part in an exchange program to share critical knowledge and skills, supporting long‑term sovereign capability development.

AW Bell has been selected to manufacture the missile’s canards – or exterior fins – and housing for the Control Actuation System. AW Bell is currently developing test versions of the canards.

The contract signing follows the start of domestic missile manufacturing in December 2025 and the first test firing of the Australian-made precision surface-to-surface missiles earlier this year.

Under the Government’s 2024 Australian Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Plan, more than $500 million will be invested through to 2030 to boost local manufacturing and increase the use of Australian‑made components.

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“This is another example of the Albanese Government’s commitment to a future made in Australia and jobs for locals. This contract backs Australian industry and its capacity to contribute to making world-class capabilities right here at home.

“The domestic manufacturing of missiles will be complemented by the development of these key component-manufacturing capabilities.

“This will boost sovereign manufacturing, creating secure jobs and strengthen our national security.”

Labor’s proposed changes to the capital gains tax and negative gearing will be examined at a Senate inquiry, giving the Bill the scrutiny it deserves.

Because the legislation has provisions that are due to commence July 1 this year, it has been automatically referred to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee, with a report due by June 22.

This process may inform the shape of the bill to be considered by the Senate.

Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim:

“We will use this inquiry to examine how and why Labor decided to leave in place the vast majority of tax handouts for the ultra wealthy.”

“As with so many parts of Labor’s budget, this bill is a missed opportunity to finally put people ahead of profits and make the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share.

“Labor’s extremely generous grandparenting provisions have left so much money on the table.”

Greens Leader Senator Larissa Waters:

“These are very significant changes to our tax system, and will go through the inquiry process to ensure they get the scrutiny they need.

“We are hearing countless young people and first homebuyers express their frustration that Labor is letting wealthy property investors keep billions in handouts – an inquiry will help examine the consequences of Labor’s decision on grandfathering.”

The Victorians Greens say Jacinta Allan’s Labor Government must provide urgent transparency about plans to introduce artificial intelligence into Victoria’s public hospital system. 

A new Department of Health blueprint flagged the use of AI to identify urgent cases and overhaul outpatient systems, but the government has released little detail publicly about how the technology would work, what patient safeguards would be in place, or how sensitive health data would be protected.

The Greens have criticised Labor for rolling out the red carpet for data centres in Victoria with very little information about how they will be powered without locking Victoria into more expensive gas and higher electricity bills. 

The Greens said the announcement appeared to be another example of the Allan Labor Government rushing to embrace AI technologies without proper public scrutiny, regulation or long-term planning.

Deputy Leader of the Victorian Greens Dr Sarah Mansfield: 

“Victoria’s public health system is under enormous strain after years of underfunding and it’s completely unacceptable that patients are waiting four years for specialist care, but it is deeply concerning that the Allan Labor Government is embracing AI in the public health system without any clear public explanation of how it’s going to work.”

“AI can’t be a substitute for properly funding healthcare or employing doctors, nurses and allied health workers we desperately need, and Victorians deserve transparency about how this is going to work before sensitive health data is handed over to AI systems.”

“The Allan Government has been rolling out the red carpet for AI and energy-hungry data centres across Victoria without any serious plan for regulation, oversight or how all of this infrastructure will be powered.”