A new survey released ahead of the 2026 Australian census shows that 43 per cent of respondents selected ‘no’ when asked if they have a religion.

The data has sparked concerns that rising atheism may be fueling a growing loneliness epidemic in society.

Speaking on 3AW Mornings with Tom Elliott, Executive Director of the Centre for Public Christianity, Simon Smart, warned that a lack of religious belief could be taking a heavy emotional toll, stating “we are not really well because of this”.

Press PLAY to hear the ‘concerning’ figures that have been reported in the survey 

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