The first public hearings of an inquiry into loneliness have begun in New South Wales today. Submissions include calls to create a minister for loneliness and boosting frontline services and research. The inquiry follows a national report last year that found more than a quarter of all Australians are impacted by loneliness. Dr Michelle Lim is the CEO of 'Ending Loneliness Together', a network of organisations tackling this issue. She spoke at the recent inquiry, and says the solution lies in preventative measures.