Loneliness

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. C. Bonaros:

That the Social Development Committee inquire into and report on the impact of loneliness on the South Australian community, with particular reference to:

1. The prevalence and causes of loneliness within the South Australian community;

2. The effectiveness of current programs to improve social connection;

3. Opportunities for new local community groups which bring people together;

4. Opportunities for new programs and initiatives to address loneliness;

5. Cross-government and community coordination within outcomes framework to address loneliness; and

6. Any other relevant matters.

(Continued from 29 October 2025.)

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (16:35): Loneliness is increasingly recognised not just as a personal experience but as a social and public health issue. Loneliness affects people across all demographics—young people, older South Australians, people living with disability and those facing social or geographic isolation. The consequences are real and they are measurable and impact not only individual wellbeing but also the connectedness of our communities. Government members will support the motion.

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (16:35): I rise to indicate my support for the motion and thank the honourable member for putting this forward. I agree that loneliness is a key issue for us to deal with as legislators and policymakers. Back in the 2022 election it was an issue that the Greens campaigned on in terms of wanting to see a strategy. As an amusing aside, I did an interview with the ABC and it said, 'Is it time for a minister for loneliness?', and there was a picture of me in the article. I wonder if it was a glimpse into my future as a sole Green MP in the parliament.

I joke about a serious issue, because it is really important that legislators and the parliament develop a strategy to deal with this. Lots of young people in particular are grappling with this, and I think we are also dealing with the consequences of technology and the effect that has on our lives and that sense of connection. I hope there is an opportunity for the Social Development Committee to look into this, potentially in the next term of parliament.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (16:37): I rise to speak in favour of this motion. Loneliness is often described as a quiet epidemic, one that does not make headlines but affects so many people in so many ways and does not really discriminate. Recent research from the Swinburne University has shown that one in two Australians report feeling lonelier since the COVID-19 pandemic. Among young adults that figure rises even higher. For older South Australians loneliness can creep in through social isolation, loss of connection or limited access to services. The outcome is usually the same: diminished wellbeing, poorer mental health and a loss of community belonging.

It is not a problem that can be solved by government programs alone, and I do acknowledge the work of the Department of Human Services in this and also Uniting Communities SA, which I think, along with the Hon. Connie Bonaros, have raised the profile of loneliness in our community. I also acknowledge retired CEO of Uniting Communities SA, Simon Schrapel.

Yes, we agree that this motion is worthwhile. It is an opportunity to look at a number of programs that already exist, whether it is men's sheds, community gardens, sporting clubs, volunteer networks or faith-based organisations, to see how they might be strengthened or better coordinated. It is also a chance to listen to the voices of people with lived experience, whether they are older people, carers, people living with disability, young people or those in regional areas. Their stories will inform evidence, which should result in a range of findings and recommendations that will help the government and the parliament itself. With those words, I commend the motion.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (16:39): I rise in strong support of this motion moved by the Hon. Connie Bonaros, ensuring that loneliness is referred to the Social Development Committee for inquiry, a practical step that allows meaningful work to begin. By referring this issue to the Social Development Committee, we are able to gather evidence, hear from communities and develop recommendations that can make a real difference for South Australians.

This inquiry will look at courses, current programs, new initiatives, community groups and coordination across government and community. Loneliness is not simply being alone; it is a distressing feeling that arises when our need for social connections are not met, a gap between relationships we want and the relationships we have. As social beings, the need to belong is as fundamental as food, water and shelter. Momentary loneliness is like being hungry; chronic loneliness is like starvation. It can have dire consequences for health and wellbeing.

The State of the Nation report 'Social Connections in Australia 2023' revealed that almost one in three Australians feel lonely and one in six experience severe loneliness. Regional areas are more affected than cities, and loneliness is higher in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Men and women are equally lonely, with young and middle-aged people most at risk. The health impacts are alarming. Loneliness is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, it raises the risk of heart disease, stroke and dementia, and is linked to depression, anxiety and suicide, costing millions in health care and lost productivity.

People who are lonely report increased use of mental health services, including psychiatrists and psychologists, and those severely lonely are more likely to visit emergency rooms without being hospitalised. This is a strain on a health system that we cannot ignore. Statistics tell part of the story, but the human experience speaks louder. On the ABC program Old People's Home for Teenagers young participants said, 'I just want some friends regardless of their age,' and, 'I am very lonely. Everybody is lonely.' Older participants shared, 'I feel empty, hopeless. I feel lonely all the time,' and, 'When I left corporate life, I sank into a deep depression. I don't see anyone anymore.'

These voices show loneliness affects all ages, even in a connected world. Older South Australians often avoid burdening their family, choosing silence over connection. This quiet suffering is heartbreaking and preventable. This motion aligns with what I have always stood for: connecting cultures, generations and communities. As someone who has worked closely with multicultural communities and grassroots organisations, I know that connection is the foundation to a better South Australia for all. This motion creates a framework for action and reflects South Australian's values of fairness, inclusion and community spirit. With those remarks, I wholeheartedly commend the motion.

The Hon. C. BONAROS (16:42): I thank honourable members for their contributions and their support for this motion: the Hon. Ian Hunter, the Hon. Michelle Lensink, the Hon. Rob Simms and the Hon. Jing Lee. I am glad for the reminder by the Hon. Jing Lee—15 cigarettes a day, six alcoholic drinks per day. It increases the risk of premature death by 26 per cent, social isolation by 29 per cent, heart attacks by 30 per cent, dementia by 31 per cent, and it is linked to a fivefold increase in suicide rates. The cost to our economy is about $2.6 billion across the nation each year. That is about one and a half thousand dollars per person. That is how much loneliness is costing us.

I would like to thank Uniting Communities for their extraordinary work in this area. I would also like to thank the Minister for Human Services. Members will recall that this is not the first time; it is the second time we are debating this motion in this place. The first was for an independent review into the actual cost of loneliness to South Australia. I have gone to and fro with the minister for some months now in relation to that independent review and the government's appetite for that. I would have thought that the dollar signs that it is costing our community would have been enough to get any treasurer on board because, ultimately, we know that if we address loneliness appropriately in our community, our economy is better off.

We did not quite get to that point, but we are here now with full support for our Social Development Committee to do, I think, the legwork into this issue and probably establish a case based on the sort of statistics and material that we have before us for a broader—

The Hon. I.K. Hunter: A powerful and very respected Social Development Committee.

The Hon. C. BONAROS: Absolutely, and I am very grateful that the minister has taken this on board and has worked very closely with me to develop an alternative review by this committee, and I look forward to this referral to that committee in the new year.

Motion carried.