Michael is joined by freelance writer Charles Purcell, to discuss Australia’s need for a Minister of Loneliness following Japan appointing its first brought about by the country’s rise in suicides amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Mr Purcell writes, ‘The crushing effects of isolation have been compounded by COVID lockdowns, but they predate the virus and the world’s advanced economies have been wondering for some years what to do about this other pandemic – loneliness.’

 

‘In Queensland, a parliamentary inquiry now aims to address loneliness, after COVID-19 left many feeling isolated. But it was back in 2018 that an Australian MP, Fiona Patten in the Victorian Parliament, proposed that her state should get its own minister for loneliness. That was well before the pandemic lockdowns in Victoria.’

 

‘Perhaps now is a good time to take Patten up on the idea, whether in state or federal governments.’

Michael is joined by freelance writer Charles Purcell, to discuss Australia&rsquo;s need for a Minister of Loneliness following Japan appointing its first brought about by the country&rsquo;s rise in suicides amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
&nbsp;
Mr Purcell writes, &lsquo;The crushing effects of isolation have been compounded by COVID lockdowns, but they predate the virus and the world&rsquo;s advanced economies have been wondering for some years what to do about this other pandemic &ndash; loneliness.&rsquo;
&nbsp;
&lsquo;In Queensland, a parliamentary inquiry now aims to address loneliness, after COVID-19&nbsp;left many feeling isolated. But it was back in 2018 that an Australian MP, Fiona Patten in the Victorian Parliament, proposed that her state should get its own minister for loneliness. That was well before the pandemic lockdowns in Victoria.&rsquo;
&nbsp;
&lsquo;Perhaps now is a good time to take Patten up on the idea, whether in state or federal governments.&rsquo;

Australia Overnight with Mike Jeffreys, 12am – 4am weekdays.

Wake Up Australia, 4am - 9:30am weekdays.

Australia Overnight with Mike Jeffreys, 12am – 4am weekdays.
Wake Up Australia, 4am - 9:30am weekdays.

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