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A Parliamentary Inquiry will examine the rise of loneliness and its impact on mental health in NSW, something now affecting nearly 40 per cent of residents.

In 2022, a Community Wellbeing Survey was conducted by the Mental Health Commission of NSW. 

The survey reported an increase in loneliness among NSW residents, reachingup to 40 per cent in certain areas, with higher frequency in people with mental health challenges. 

A first of its kind, the inquiry willexamine the causes and impacts of loneliness, how other regions are addressing similar issues, as well as identifying the groups most at risk of social isolation. It will also suggest waysthe NSW Government canreduce the impact of loneliness in the community. 

“With this NSW Government inquiry, we aim to delve deeper into loneliness, which has emerged as a significant public health issue following the COVID-19 pandemic,” said NSW Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson. 

“While some people call loneliness the silent epidemic, it doesn’t have to be suffered in silence. If you are experiencing loneliness, please speak up and reach out—there are supports available across NSW.” 

The Mental Health Commission categorises loneliness as “a subjective emotional state characterised by negative feelings stemming from a perceived lower level of social contact compared to one’s desired level”. 

Reports of new mental health issues have increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and more than half of the respondentsreported experiencing loneliness regularly. The survey identifies demographics where reports of loneliness are higher, including those in the 18-29 years demographic, low socio-economic groups, and those withlimited access to community spaces. 

“A growing body of evidence demonstrates how prevalent loneliness is in Australia and around the world – and its harmful consequences if left unaddressed,” says Groundswell Foundation Chairman Martin Blake. “The impacts of loneliness are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes or having six alcoholic drinks per day.” 

“Loneliness has a measurable economic impact – in Australia, the healthcare costs associated with loneliness are estimated at up to $2.7 billion each year in a 2021 report from Curtin University.” 

The inquiry willbegin this year, with submissions closing at the start of November, and two Parliamentary hearings scheduled for after. 

“The face of loneliness is often unexpected and touches many in our community”, saysDr Sarah Kaine, Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Issues, who will undertake the inquiry. 

“I’m looking forward to hearing directly from experts and the community about what we can do better to support people who need support”.