As an evidence-based organisation, representing over 1400 members in the allied health sector nationally, the safety and well-being of all chiropractic professionals – and the patients they provide care for – is our preeminent priority. As such, Chiropractic Australia supports regional public health orders and data-informed suppression strategies in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, including the recent introduction of mandatory vaccinations for primary contact health workers – including chiropractic practitioners – across all of Tasmania and selected local government areas of concern in New South Wales.

As is the case for every long-standing organisation, it is necessary to periodically review, recalibrate and reinvigorate strategic direction; and Chiropractic Australia is no different. Outlined in our 2021/2024 Strategic Plan, we have embraced the need for change and myriad of opportunities before us to ensure the continued legacy of member service and support that has been synonymous with our association for the last 27 years. The exciting operational developments made throughout 2020 and 2021, as well as those forthcoming, ensure the bright future of Chiropractic Australia rests upon a robust organisational footing.

A report released this week by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) Australian Burden of Disease Study 2018: key findings, reveals that Australians overall health is improving. However, the report notes that 5 disease groups caused the most burden with musculoskeletal complaints accounting for 13% of the burden, second only to cancer at 18%. Injuries accounted for 8.4%. These findings support previous international reports that have shown that back pain is the leading cause of disability globally, and chiropractors are well placed to assist with both musculoskeletal problems and other modifiable risk factors.

As part of a broader funding initiative to support innovative research into back pain, hearing, vision, dementia and cancer immunotherapy, Minister for Health and Aged Care – The Hon Greg Hunt MP – awarded over $5.3 million dollars to support three new projects undertaken by the outstanding researchers moving the needle of enquiry in these respective fields. We would like to congratulate all of the researchers from Macquarie University who were successful in receiving these grants, including two members of our Chiropractic Australia Research Foundation Board; Professor Simon French & Dr Katie De Luca.

WorkSafe’s WorkWell Program supports workplace leaders to prevent mental injury and promote safe and mentally healthy workplaces, taking an evidence-based approach to positive system-level change. Championing workplace leaders and employers as change makers, Workwell provides access to opportunities for knowledge sharing, funding and resources – known as the ‘Learning Networks’, the ‘Mental Health Improvement Fund’ and the ‘Toolkit’ respectively. We are proud to support the WorkWell initiative and it’s evidence-based approach to creating safe and mentally healthy workplaces in Victoria.

Our 2020 PhD Scholarship participant Simon Vella is a chiropractor, PhD research candidate and casual tutor in the Department of Chiropractic at Macquarie University.
Simon completed his Master of Research Program through Macquarie University on lumbopelvic and lower limb biomechanics in 2020. He is currently a PhD candidate focusing on emergency and paramedic healthcare for low back pain through the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health at The University of Sydney. “I became a chiropractor to help people and promote the active care paradigm which promotes progress…”

Over the years, exports have highlighted the many benefits that can be had from working from home including an improved work/life balance; greater productivity, more flexible work times, lower business costs, no time wasted commuting to and from work, and therefore reduced traffic congestion. The social distancing measures & restrictions we have been experiencing as a result of the COVD-19 pandemic have meant that some chiropractors have started providing some of their services remotely. If you are one of these chiropractors, there are a few things you may want to consider.

Cyber-attacks and cybercrime have been a hot topic for the last few years. Every week there’ s a new update on cyber risks to business, the likelihood of an attack and big news stories such as WannaCry, Red Cross and Ashley Maddison. At Aon, we know that claims are on the rise, and we all know that Data Breach Notification Laws are here to stay. But what is the actual risk to you? And if you are a small business do you really need insurance? We tackle a few common cyber insurance myths and present some local cases and statistics that may help you decide if the risk is worth the cost.

The uncertainty of COVID-19 has taken its toll on both the mental health, wellbeing, and physical health of many practitioners in the allied health industry, including chiropractors. Ensuring health is at the forefront of practitioner’s minds is essential to successfully navigate an unprecedented global pandemic that has played havoc on the lives and businesses of chiropractors and allied health practitioners globally. There are many tools that can assist practitioners to navigate COVID, with the view to exit at the other side of the pandemic with greater resilience.

In response to our recent advocacy effort and submission to the Victorian Government, Minister Foley’s office confirmed last week that the list of industries eligible to receive the second-round support package had been broadened to include Chiropractic and Osteopathic Services (Class 8534), which had previously been excluded; despite no longer having access to financial support. This was positive and timely outcome for those effected by current lockdown restrictions, and reassuring to all our members throughout Australia that your concerns are being heard and the needs of our profession are being recognised.