At the launch of Loneliness Awareness Week at Parliament House, Canberra, Professor John Pollaers OAM highlighted a critical paradox: despite unprecedented connectivity, loneliness is reaching epidemic levels across Australia. This isn’t merely a mental health issue—it’s a systemic problem costing $2.7 billion annually and undermining education, employment, and civic participation.
He says we’ve confused digital platforms for genuine presence, allowing social infrastructure to deteriorate through unreliable transport, housing unaffordability, and precarious work.
Australia has the science, leadership, and lived experience needed to lead global change. Pollaers urges immediate action to make social connection a national priority—embedding it across urban planning, education, and digital policy. This is our opportunity to build systems that connect by design, ensuring no one feels invisible and transforming awareness into meaningful infrastructure for connection. Access the full speech here.
About Professor John Pollaers OAM
Professor John Pollaers OAM is a national advocate for systems that put people and connection at their centre. As Chair of Ending Loneliness Together’s Advisory Group and Chancellor of Swinburne University, he champions social infrastructure as a foundation for wellbeing, equity, and national prosperity.
A former CEO and industry leader, he has brought this same values-driven approach to aged care reform, education, manufacturing, and financial justice – ensuring policy, business, and community work together to build a more connected and inclusive Australia.