The NSW Government has released its response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the prevalence, causes and impacts of loneliness in New South Wales. Of the 20 recommendations, 6 were supported, 7 supported in principle, 5 noted and 1 not supported.
The Inquiry examined the increasing prevalence of loneliness across the community, its significant health and social impacts, and the policy and service settings needed to address it.
Loneliness is now widely recognised as a public health concern with consequences comparable to well-established physical health risks. It affects mental health, wellbeing, recovery outcomes and quality of life. It increases the risk of psychological distress, chronic illness and early mortality. In the mental health context, loneliness can be both a contributing factor and a consequence of mental health challenges, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break without appropriate support.
The NSW Government’s response demonstrates strong acknowledgement of the seriousness of loneliness and broad alignment with the Inquiry’s recommendations. Of the 20 recommendations, 6 were supported, 7 supported in principle, 5 noted and 1 not supported.
While this recognition is welcome, no new funding has been committed to support implementation. Without investment, these policy acknowledgements will not translate into meaningful change on the ground.
Sector perspective on the response
Mental Health Coordinating Council welcomes the NSW Government’s commitment to addressing loneliness, particularly its recognition of the importance of peer support and lived experience leadership. We are pleased to see explicit support for expanding peer programs and strengthening access to community-based supports for people at risk.
However, the absence of any dedicated investment is a significant concern. Community-managed mental health organisations, peer workers, local community centres, youth services, multicultural organisations and grassroots groups are already stretched. These are the services people turn to when they feel alone, disconnected or unsure where to seek help. Without resourcing, the system cannot respond at the scale required.
This response risks losing momentum in an area where early, relational and community-based supports can create life-changing impact. Investment is needed to embed loneliness prevention and social connection in the community more broadly, as well as ensuring it is embedded as central to best practice across mental health, psychosocial support and community services.
Submission to the Inquiry
In November 2024, MHCC provided a detailed submission to the Inquiry outlining targeted interventions and program design principles to prevent and respond to loneliness. These recommendations were informed by:
- international and local research
- direct engagement with the sector
- a survey capturing lived experience, carer and workforce perspectives
- discussions with members, frontline workers and peer practitioners
Our submission emphasised the importance of:
- place-based and culturally safe community connection initiatives
- early intervention and prevention
- peer-led and lived experience approaches
- anti-stigma work to reduce shame, fear and self-isolation
- social prescribing and digital navigation pathways
- targeted supports for people experiencing intersectional disadvantage
The voices of people most affected by loneliness were central to our recommendations. Many described barriers to belonging and connection that are not easily addressed through clinical pathways alone.
Missed opportunity for transformative change
Loneliness affects many people across the life span, yet its impacts are particularly pronounced for those who experience marginalisation due to:
- mental health conditions
- psychosocial disability
- co-existing health and social challenges
- cultural background and experiences of discrimination
- economic disadvantage
- living in regional or remote areas
For these groups, loneliness is not simply an emotional experience; it can be a barrier to recovery, inclusion and quality of life. Dedicated resourcing could deliver real change for people who are chronically isolated or disconnected from community life.
NSW Loneliness Inquiry recommendations and Government response
| Recommendation | Government response |
| 1. Whole-of-society framework to address loneliness | Supported in principle |
| 2. Support research into cognitive mechanisms behind loneliness | Supported in principle |
| 3. Investigate social prescribing as a strategy | Supported in principle |
| 4. Extend The Welcome Experience program to more LGAs | Noted |
| 5. Recognise peer support and expand programs for at-risk groups | Supported |
| 6. Core funding for neighbourhood and community centres | Noted |
| 7. Improve funding and grant processes for small organisations | Noted |
| 8. Reduce financial barriers to participation in sport and social organisations | Supported |
| 9. Prioritise development of third spaces and green spaces | Supported |
| 10. Establish and invest in youth hubs | Supported in principle |
| 11. Recognise importance of transport infrastructure for connection | Supported |
| 12. Provide alternative transport options in regional and remote areas | Supported |
| 13. Amend Local Government Act to require planning for social connection | Not supported |
| 14. Ensure housing policy considers social connection | Supported |
| 15. Ensure place-based strategies target disadvantaged communities | Noted |
| 16. Develop community awareness campaign to destigmatise loneliness | Supported |
| 17. Develop workforce capability to identify and respond to loneliness | Noted |
| 18. Consolidate service directories for loneliness and isolation support | Supported in principle |
| 19. Implement five-year whole-of-government strategy | Supported in principle |
| 20. Improve evidence base and evaluation for loneliness interventions | Supported in principle |
