The survey, based on responses from more than 13,000 households collected in 2025, found trust in healthcare fell from 76.4% in 2020 to 60.9% last year.

The report also showed more Australians are struggling to access services. Around 26% said they had difficulty reaching service providers, compared to 21% in 2020.

People living in remote areas, those with disability, and people with mental health conditions faced the biggest challenges accessing care.

Social connection has also declined. Just over half of Australians said they meet friends or family outside their household each week. While this is higher than during COVID-19 lockdowns, it is still much lower than levels recorded before the pandemic.

The survey also found volunteering rates have dropped and financial stress has increased.

Dr Kuljit Singh described the results as “bleak” and said similar trends are being seen in many Western countries after COVID-19.

Dr Singh believes social prescribing could help improve community wellbeing. This approach allows doctors to refer patients to local non-medical services and community activities to support social connection and overall health.

She said loneliness and social disconnection are becoming major health concerns worldwide and that social health should be treated as importantly as physical and mental health.

According to Dr Singh, stronger community connections could also help rebuild trust in healthcare over time. 

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