A new report has painted a grim picture of life in Australia, revealing a nation where people are feeling lonelier than ever, pay more tax and are delaying their dreams.

The Melbourne Institute's annual Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, which has tracked the lives of thousands of Australians since 2001, released its 2025 report today.

It highlights how everything from rising living costs to the erosion of social networks is taking a toll on the nation's well-being.

We have fewer friends

The survey found that our social connections are weakening, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Australians are reporting fewer friends and less frequent socialising than at the turn of the century.

"Not only do we feel like we have fewer friends, but w

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