Lexi Webster
Suicide is a significant issue in Australia, affecting people from all walks of life. In recent years, the country has seen an alarming number of people taking their own lives, with an estimated 3,139 suicides in 2020 and 3,144 in 2021. The rate of suicide in Australia is particularly high among certain demographics, including males, rural dwellers, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The LGBTQIA+ community also experiences higher rates of suicide due to discrimination and stigma. Suicide prevention is a critical focus in Australia, with organisations like Lifeline offering support and resources to those at risk. The impact of suicide on families, friends, and communities is profound, and understanding the factors contributing to this tragedy is essential for prevention and support.
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What You'll Learn
Suicide rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Historically, suicide among First Nations people in Australia was rare before the 1960s, but it has since become a significant issue. The increase in suicide rates among Indigenous Australians is attributed to the ongoing effects of colonisation, intergenerational trauma, cultural suppression, and social disadvantage. The high rates of suicide, particularly in the Kimberley, Northern Territory, and far north Queensland regions, have been described as "a humanitarian crisis."
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has been working to improve the identification of First Nations people in deaths data since 2015, which has likely contributed to the increase in reported suicide rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. However, data quality issues, including the under-identification of First Nations people in deaths data and uncertainties in population estimates, make it challenging to analyse trends accurately.
The alarming rise in suicide rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities highlights the urgent need for culturally informed prevention strategies. Empowering these communities to lead their own mental health initiatives and strengthening their connection to culture and Country are crucial steps in addressing this crisis. Programs like The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation's Culture Care Connect offer hope, but sustained government support and systemic change are necessary for effective and long-lasting solutions.
Overall, the suicide rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia are significantly higher than those of non-Indigenous Australians, and addressing this disparity requires a multi-sectoral approach involving health, education, welfare, and government organisations.
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Suicide rates among LGBTIQ+ people
Australia has one of the largest multicultural populations in the world. The country has recorded high suicide rates, with 3,139 deaths by suicide in 2020, and 3,144 in 2021. The suicide rate among males is three times greater than among females. In 2019, the standardised suicide rate for males was 20.1 deaths per 100,000 people, while for females, it was 6.3 deaths per 100,000. In every state and territory of Australia, suicide is much more common among males than females, with the ratio standing at 3:1 in 2012.
LGBTIQ+ Australians experience higher rates of mental ill-health and suicide than the general population. This is due to experiences of stigma, prejudice, discrimination, and abuse based on their sexual orientation. LGBTIQ+ people face barriers in accessing suicide prevention and general mental health care services in Australia. LGBTIQ+-inclusive practices are often reported to be a hindrance, while the visibility of support for the LGBTIQ+ community is seen as a facilitator for service access.
A meta-analysis of lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people found that targeted surveys may be biased towards people with a stronger attachment to the LGBTQ+ community, while population surveys may underrepresent LGBTIQ+ people.
The 2021 Snapshot of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Statistics for LGBTIQ+ People provides an overview of the current mental health and wellbeing outcomes of LGBTIQ+ people in Australia. The report found that while many LGBTIQ+ Australians live healthy and happy lives, a disproportionate number experience poorer mental health outcomes and have a higher risk of suicidal behaviours than their peers.
Young LGBTIQ+ Australians perceive barriers to suicide prevention and general mental health care services. LGBTIQ+ cultural competency in clinical practice was identified as a major barrier, while the visibility of support for the LGBTIQ+ community was seen as a facilitator for accessing services.
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Suicide rates by region of birth
In Australia, suicide rates vary depending on the region of birth. People born in Australia have the highest suicide rate, with 14.7 deaths per 100,000 people. This is significantly higher than the rate for those born overseas, which is between 8.2 and 8.4 per 100,000 people.
When examining specific regions, those born in Oceania and Antarctica (excluding Australia) had the highest suicide rate at 14.2 or 14.3 per 100,000 people. In contrast, individuals born in Southern and Central Asia exhibited the lowest suicide rate, with 4.2 or 4.4 per 100,000 people. Notably, people from this region also had the lowest median age at death due to suicide, at 34.9 years.
Within Australia, Northern Territory recorded the highest age-standardised rate of deaths by suicide, with 17.0 per 100,000 people. Additionally, age-standardised rates of death by suicide were generally higher in regional Australia, with 15.5 deaths per 100,000 people outside capital cities compared to 10.0 deaths per 100,000 people in capital cities.
It is also worth noting that in Australia, the suicide rate among males is considerably higher than among females. In 2019, the standardised suicide rate for males was 20.1 deaths per 100,000 people, while for females, it was 6.3 deaths per 100,000 people. This disparity is consistent with global trends, where men have higher age-standardised suicide rates than women.
Furthermore, certain groups within Australia are more susceptible to suicide. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have suicide rates 2.5 to 2.6 times higher than non-Indigenous Australians. Additionally, individuals in regional and rural populations, as well as those from the LGBTQIA+ community, are at a heightened risk of suicide.
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Suicide rates by age and gender
Suicide rates in Australia vary significantly by age and gender. Overall, males are around three times more likely to die by suicide than females, with males accounting for 75% of suicide deaths. The median age of death by suicide in Australia is 45.5 years, but this varies between men and women. The median age at death for men who died by suicide was 45.8 years, while for women, it was 44.4 years.
In 2019, the standardised suicide rate for males was 20.1 deaths per 100,000 people, while for females, it was 6.3 deaths per 100,000 people. Since 2003, suicide rates for females have ranged from 4 to 6 suicides per 100,000, with no apparent age association. In contrast, male suicide rates have ranged from 10 to 30 suicides per 100,000, with middle-aged and older men experiencing substantially higher suicide rates than other age groups.
Young people in Australia are also significantly impacted by suicide. In 2022, suicide was the leading cause of death for children aged 5-17 years, with a rate of 2.2 per 100,000 children. Males in this age group had a suicide rate of 2.4 per 100,000, while females had a rate of 2.0 per 100,000. Suicide is the leading cause of death for individuals aged 15-24, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth experience significantly higher suicide rates than their non-Indigenous peers.
Additionally, unemployment rates have been linked to suicide rates among men, particularly those aged 25-34 and 55-64. The longer the period of low employment, the higher the rate of suicides in these age groups.
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Suicide prevention
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has been collecting data on suicide rates since 1981, and their data reveals concerning trends. In 2019, the age-standardised death rate for suicide was 13.1 deaths per 100,000 people, with a higher rate for males at 20.1 deaths per 100,000, compared to 6.3 deaths per 100,000 for females. This gender disparity is also seen in hospital data, where a higher proportion of females engage in self-harm, but males are more likely to use lethal methods, resulting in a higher suicide completion rate. Overall, suicide rates have decreased since the mid-90s, with a 23% decline between 1999 and 2009. However, certain demographics continue to be disproportionately affected.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, for instance, experience significantly higher suicide rates and poorer mental health due to historical trauma, discrimination, dispossession, and cultural suppression. The median age of death by suicide for this group is over a decade younger than that of the general population, and in 2022, there were 239 deaths by suicide among this community. Similarly, LGBTIQ individuals face higher risks of suicide due to discrimination and stigma. For both these communities, the experience of discrimination and exclusion leads to higher rates of mental ill-health and suicide.
To address these issues, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Firstly, early intervention and support are crucial. Organisations like Lifeline Australia provide a vital service by offering a confidential space for individuals to seek help. Additionally, it is imperative to address the root causes of higher suicide rates among at-risk communities, such as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and LGBTIQ individuals. This includes tackling discrimination, exclusion, and historical trauma head-on through policy changes and increased awareness. By empowering individuals, fostering connection, and advocating for systemic change, we can collectively work towards a future where no one feels that suicide is their only option.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2020, 3,139 people died by suicide in Australia, and in 2021, the number rose to 3,144.
In 2019, the suicide rate for men was 20.1 deaths per 100,000 people, and for women, it was 6.3 deaths per 100,000 people.
The overall suicide rate decreased by 23% between 1999 and 2009. However, in the first four months of 2025, there were 239 suspected suicide deaths, compared to between 252 and 271 in the previous four years.
Yes, people in regional and rural populations are twice as likely to die by suicide. Additionally, the NT state has the highest age-standardised rate of deaths by suicide at 20.5 per 100,000.
Yes, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people die by suicide at rates 2.5-2.6 times higher than non-Indigenous Australians. Suicide is also more prevalent among the LGBTQIA+ community, with suicide attempts reported at rates up to 10 times higher than the general population.
