ABS Causes of Death data release 2020 - Australian states and territories summary

Australian states and territories suicide data 2020 (ABS, 2021) Released 29 September 2021

State and territory summary • All jurisdictions except the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory had a decrease in the number of suicide deaths between 2019 and 2020.

• Almost three-quarters of people who died by suicide had a usual residence of New South Wales, Victoria or Queensland.

• The highest number of suicide deaths occurred in New South Wales (876 deaths).

• The Northern Territory had the highest rate of suicide (20.4 per 100,000 people). *Age-standardised rate per 100,000. **Number of deaths.

Australian Capital Territory suicide data 2020 (ABS, 2021)

Number of deaths

ACT, 57

NT, 51

Australian Capital Territory in 2020

TAS, 87

In the Australian Capital Territory, 57 people died by suicide (34 male, 23 female), which is an increase on the 53 recorded in 2019.

When looking at the total number of deaths across states and territories, the Australian Capital Territory recorded the second lowest number of deaths (with age-standardised suicide rates presented in the following slide).

WA, 381

NSW, 876

SA, 234

QLD, 759

VIC, 694

Figure 1: Number of suicide deaths by Australian state and territory.

Age-standardised suicide rate Australian Capital Territory in 2020 The Australian Capital Territory recorded the third lowest age-standardised suicide rate (13.1 per 100,000).

The age-standardised suicide rate was higher than the national age-standardised suicide rate (12.1 per 100,000).

25.0 20.4 20.0 15.9

14.7

15.0

13.3

10.5

10.1

NSW

Vic.

14.3 13.1

10.0

The age-standardised suicide rate for males (16.0 per 100,000) was lower than observed in 2019 (19.6 per 100,000).

The age-standardised suicide rate for females was 10.3 per 100,000. Data was not available for publication in 2019.

5.0

0.0 Qld

SA

WA

Tas.

Figure 2: Age-standardised suicide rates for each Australian state and territory.

NT

ACT

Age-standardised suicide rate Australian Capital Territory in 2020 The Australian Capital Territory saw an increase in the age-standardised rate (13.1 per 100,000) compared to 2019 (12.4 per 100,000).

20.0 18.0

16.0 14.0 12.0 10.0 8.0 6.0

4.0 2.0 0.0 2016

2017

2018

Australian Capital Territory

2019 Australia

Figure 3: Age-standardised suicide rate by place of usual residence

2020

New South Wales suicide data 2020 (ABS 2021)

Number of deaths New South Wales in 2020

TAS, 87 NT, 51

ACT, 57

In New South Wales, 876 people died by suicide (656 male, 220 female), which is a decrease from the 937 recorded in 2019.

When looking at the total number of deaths across states and territories, New South Wales recorded the highest number of deaths (with age-standardised suicide rates presented in the following slide).

WA, 381

NSW, 876

SA, 234

QLD, 759

VIC, 694

Figure 1 : Number of suicide deaths by Australian state and territory.

Age-standardised suicide rate New South Wales in 2020 New South Wales recorded the second lowest agestandardised suicide rate (10.5 per 100,000).

The age-standardised suicide rate was lower than the national age-standardised suicide rate (12.1 per 100,000).

The age-standardised suicide rate for males (16.0 per 100,000) was lower than observed in 2019 (17.7 per 100,000).

The age-standardised suicide rate for females (5.2 per 100,000) was slightly lower than observed in 2019 (5.3 per 100,000).

25.0 20.4

20.0 15.9

14.7

15.0

13.3 10.5

10.1

NSW

Vic.

14.3 13.1

10.0

5.0

0.0 Qld

SA

WA

Tas.

Figure 2: Age-standardised suicide rates for each Australian state and territory.

NT

ACT

Age-standardised suicide rate New South Wales in 2020 The New South Wales suicide rate was higher in areas outside of Greater Sydney.

20.0 18.0 16.0

A similar trend was observed across most states and territories.

Greater Sydney had a decrease in the age-standardised rate (8.1 per 100,000) compared to 2019 (8.4 per 100,000).

The rest of New South Wales saw a decrease in the age-standardised rate (15.4 per 100,000) from 2019 (17.6 per 100,000).

14.0 12.0 10.0

8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 2016

2017

Greater Sydney

2018

2019

Rest of NSW

Figure 3: Age-standardised suicide rate by place of usual residence

NSW Total

2020

Northern Territory suicide data 2020 (ABS 2021)

Number of deaths

NT, 51 ACT, 57

Northern Territory in 2020

TAS, 87

In the Northern Territory, 51 people died by suicide (32 male, 19 female), which is an increase on the 50 recorded in 2019.

When looking at the total number of deaths across states and territories, the Northern Territory had the lowest number of suicide deaths (with age-standardised suicide rates presented in the following slide).

WA, 381

NSW, 876

SA, 234

QLD, 759

VIC, 694

Figure 1: Number of suicide deaths by Australian state and territory.

Age-standardised suicide rate Northern Territory in 2020 Despite the lowest number, the Northern Territory recorded the highest age-standardised suicide rate (20.4 per 100,000).

The age-standardised suicide rate was higher than the national age-standardised suicide rate (12.1 per 100,000).

The age-standardised suicide rate for males (25.6 per 100,000) was a decrease from the rate in 2019 (28.3 per 100,000).

The age-standardised suicide rate for females is not available for publication.

25.0 20.4 20.0 15.9 14.7

15.0

13.3 10.5

10.1

NSW

Vic.

14.3 13.1

10.0

5.0

0.0 Qld

SA

WA

Tas.

Figure 2: Age-standardised suicide rates for each Australian state and territory.

NT

ACT

Age-standardised suicide rate Northern Territory in 2020 The suicide rate in Greater Darwin was lower than that observed in the rest of the Northern Territory.

A similar trend was observed across most states and territories.

Greater Darwin had an increase in the age-standardised rate (16.7 per 100,000) compared to 2019 (12.8 per 100,000).

The rest of Northern Territory saw a decrease (20.5 per 100,000) when compared to 2019 (31.0 per 100,000).

35.0 30.0 25.0 20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 0.0 2016

2017

Greater Darwin

2018

Rest of NT

2019

NT Total

Figure 3: Age-standardised suicide rate by place of usual residence

2020

Queensland suicide data 2020 (ABS 2021)

Number of deaths Queensland in 2020

TAS, 87

NT, 51

ACT, 57

In Queensland, 759 people died by suicide (598 male, 161 female), which is a decrease from the 784 recorded in 2019.

When looking at the total number of deaths across states and territories, Queensland recorded the second highest number of suicide deaths (with age-standardised suicide rates presented in the following slide).

WA, 381

NSW, 876

SA, 234

QLD, 759

VIC, 694

Figure 1: Number of suicide deaths by Australian state and territory.

Age-standardised suicide rate Queensland in 2020 Queensland recorded the third highest age-standardised suicide rate (14.7 per 100,000).

The age-standardised suicide rate was higher than the national age-standardised suicide rate (12.1 per 100,000).

25.0

20.4 20.0 15.9

14.7

15.0

The age-standardised suicide rate for males (23.7 per 100,000) was slightly lower than the rate observed in 2019 (23.8 per 100,000).

The age-standardised suicide rate for females (6.2 per 100,000) was lower than the rate observed in 2019 (7.4 per 100,000).

14.3 13.3

10.5

10.1

NSW

Vic.

13.1

10.0

5.0

0.0 Qld

SA

WA

Tas.

Figure 2: Age-standardised suicide rates for each Australian state and territory.

NT

ACT

Age-standardised suicide rate Queensland in 2020 Greater Brisbane had a lower suicide rate, when compared to the rest of Queensland.

20.0 18.0 16.0

A similar trend was observed across most states and territories.

Greater Brisbane had a slight decrease in the age-standardised rate (13.7 per 100,000) when compared to 2019 (14.0 per 100,000).

The rest of Queensland saw a decrease in the agestandardised rate (15.5 per 100,000) from 2019 (16.8 per 100,000).

14.0 12.0

10.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 2016

2017

Greater Brisbane

2018

Rest of QLD

2019

QLD Total

Figure 3: Age-standardised suicide rate by place of usual residence

2020

South Australia suicide data 2020 (ABS 2021)

Number of deaths South Australia in 2020

TAS, 87

NT, 51

ACT, 57

In South Australia, 234 people died by suicide (178 male, 56 female), which is a decrease from the 251 recorded in 2019.

When looking at the total number of deaths across states and territories, South Australia recorded the fourth lowest number of deaths (with age-standardised rates presented in the following slide).

WA, 381

NSW, 876

SA, 234

QLD, 759

VIC, 694

Figure 1: Number of suicide deaths by Australian state and territory.

Age-standardised suicide rate South Australia in 2020 South Australia recorded the fourth lowest age-standardised suicide rate (13.3 per 100,000).

25.0

The age-standardised suicide rate was similar to the national age-standardised suicide rate (12.1 per 100,000).

The age-standardised suicide rate for males (20.4 per 100,000) was lower than the rate observed in 2019 (22.5 per 100,000).

The age-standardised suicide rate for females (6.3 per 100,000) was higher than the rate observed in 2019 (5.7 per 100,000).

20.4 20.0 15.9 14.7

15.0

13.3 10.5

10.1

NSW

Vic.

14.3 13.1

10.0

5.0

0.0 Qld

SA

WA

Tas.

Figure 2: Age-standardised suicide rates for each Australian state and territory.

NT

ACT

Age-standardised suicide rate South Australia in 2020 Greater Adelaide had a lower suicide rate, when compared to the rest of South Australia.

20.0 18.0

16.0

A similar trend was observed across most states and territories.

14.0

Greater Adelaide had a decrease in the age-standardised rate (11.9 per 100,000) when compared to 2019 (12.8 per 100,000).

10.0

The rest of South Australia saw a decrease in the age-standardised rate (17.7 per 100,000) from 2019 (18.4 per 100,000).

12.0

8.0 6.0

4.0 2.0 0.0 2016

2017 Greater Adelaide

2018 Rest of SA

2019 SA Total

Figure 3: Age-standardised suicide rate by place of usual residence

2020

Tasmania suicide data 2020 (ABS 2021)

Number of deaths

NT, 51

ACT, 57

TAS, 87

Tasmania in 2020 In Tasmania, 87 people died by suicide (71 male, 16 female), which is a decrease from the 108 recorded in 2019.

When looking at the total number of deaths across states and territories, Tasmania had the third lowest number (with age-standardised suicide rates presented in the following slide).

WA, 381

NSW, 876

SA, 234

QLD, 759

VIC, 694

Figure 1: Number of suicide deaths by Australian state and territory.

Age-standardised suicide rate Tasmania in 2020 Tasmania recorded the second highest age-standardised suicide rate (15.9 per 100,000).

25.0

The age-standardised suicide rate was higher than the national age-standardised suicide rate (12.1 per 100,000).

The age-standardised suicide rate for males (26.6 per 100,000) was slightly higher than the rate observed in 2019 (26.4 per 100,000).

The age-standardised suicide rate for females is not available for publication. It was 13.1 per 100,000 in 2019.

20.4 20.0 15.9 14.7

15.0

13.3 10.5

10.1

NSW

Vic.

14.3 13.1

10.0

5.0

0.0 Qld

SA

WA

Tas.

Figure 2: Age-standardised suicide rates for each Australian state and territory.

NT

ACT

Age-standardised suicide rate Tasmania in 2020 The suicide rate was higher in Greater Hobart when compared to the rest of Tasmania.

Tasmania was the only state in which the suicide rate was higher in the metro area compared to regional parts of the State.

22.5 20.0 17.5

15.0 12.5 10.0

Greater Hobart had an increase in the age-standardised rate (18.0 per 100,000) compared to 2019 (17.8 per 100,000).

The rest of Tasmania saw a decrease in the agestandardised rate (14.1 per 100,000) from 2019 (20.0 per 100,000).

7.5 5.0 2.5 0.0 2016

2017 Greater Hobart

2018 Rest of Tas

2019 TAS Total

Figure 3: Age-standardised suicide rate by place of usual residence

2020

Victoria suicide data 2020 (ABS 2021)

Number of deaths Victoria in 2020

TAS, 87

NT, 51

ACT, 57

In Victoria, 694 people died by suicide (520 male, 174 female), which is a decrease from the 717 recorded in 2019.

When looking at the total number of deaths across states and territories, Victoria recorded the third highest number of deaths (with age-standardised suicide rates presented in the following slide).

WA, 381

NSW, 876

SA, 234

QLD, 759

VIC, 694

Figure 1: Number of suicide deaths by Australian state and territory.

Age-standardised suicide rate Victoria in 2020 Victoria recorded the lowest age-standardised suicide rate (10.1 per 100,000).

25.0

The age-standardised suicide rate was lower than the national age-standardised suicide rate (12.1 per 100,000).

The age-standardised suicide rate for males (15.4 per 100,000) was lower than the rate observed in 2019 (16.6 per 100,000).

The age-standardised suicide rate for females (5.0 per 100,000) remained the same as in 2019 (5.0 per 100,000).

20.4 20.0 15.9 14.7

15.0

13.3 10.5

10.1

NSW

Vic.

14.3 13.1

10.0

5.0

0.0 Qld

SA

WA

Tas.

Figure 2: Age-standardised suicide rates for each Australian state and territory.

NT

ACT

Age-standardised suicide rate Victoria in 2020 20.0

The suicide rate was lower in Greater Melbourne when compared to the rest of Victoria.

A similar trend was observed across most states and territories.

Greater Melbourne had a slight decrease in the age-standardised rate (8.8 per 100,000) compared to 2019 (9.1 per 100,000).

The rest of Victoria also saw a decrease (14.4 per 100,000) from 2019 (16.0 per 100,000).

18.0 16.0 14.0 12.0 10.0

8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 2016

2017

Greater Melbourne

2018

Rest of Vic

2019

VIC Total

Figure 3: Age-standardised suicide rate by place of usual residence

2020

Western Australia suicide data 2020 (ABS 2021)

Number of deaths

TAS, 87

NT, 51

ACT, 57

Western Australia in 2020 In Western Australia, 381 people died by suicide (295 male, 86 female), which is a decrease from the 418 recorded in 2019.

When looking at the total number of deaths across states and territories, Western Australia recorded the fourth highest number of deaths (with agestandardised suicide rates presented in the following slide).

WA, 381

NSW, 876 SA, 234

QLD, 759

VIC, 694

Figure 1: Number of suicide deaths by Australian state and territory.

Age-standardised suicide rate Western Australia in 2020 Western Australia recorded the fourth highest agestandardised suicide rate (14.3 per 100,000).

The age-standardised suicide rate was higher than the national age-standardised suicide rate (12.1 per 100,000).

The age-standardised suicide rate for males (22.3 per 100,000) was lower than the rate observed in 2019 (23.3 per 100,000).

The age-standardised suicide rate for females (6.5 per 100,000) was lower than rate observed in 2019 (8.7 per 100,000).

25.0 20.4 20.0 15.9 14.7

15.0

13.3 10.5

10.1

NSW

Vic.

14.3 13.1

10.0

5.0

0.0 Qld

SA

WA

Tas.

Figure 2: Age-standardised suicide rates for each Australian state and territory.

NT

ACT

Age-standardised suicide rate Western Australia in 2020 Greater Perth had a lower suicide rate when compared to the rest of Western Australia.

A similar trend was observed across most states and territories.

Greater Perth had a decrease in the age-standardised rate (12.7 per 100,000) compared to 2019 (14.9 per 100,000).

25.0 22.5 20.0 17.5

15.0 12.5 10.0 7.5 5.0

The rest of Western Australia saw an increase (20.8 per 100,000) from 2019 (18.8 per 100,000).

2.5

0.0 2016

2017 Greater Perth

2018 Rest of WA

2019 WA Total

Figure 3: Age-standardised suicide rate by place of usual residence

2020

Life in Mind is a national gateway connecting Australian suicide prevention services to each other and the community. The platform links policy to practice, communities to help-seeking, and practitioners to best practice, with aim of better supporting the sector and community to respond to, and communicate about suicide and its impacts. lifeinmind.org.au