Australian research

  • Title:

    A review of suicide statistics in Australia

  • Abstract/Synopsis:

    Suicide, or intentional self-harm (ISH), is an important public interest and policy issue. The rate of suicide in Australia is widely used as a progress measure or indicator, so it is vital that reliable statistical information on suicide is available.

    Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) mortality data are the main source of suicide statistics in Australia. The ABS is part of a complex process that generates these statistics. The two other main parts of the system are coroners and the National Coroners Information System (NCIS). Coding rules that form part of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), which the ABS is required to apply, also affect the statistics. In recent years, the ABS has cautioned that suicide data may be underestimated and ‘observed changes over time are likely to have been affected by delays in [coroners] finalising a cause.’ (from executive summary)

  • Author:

    James E Harrison, Sophie Pointer, Amr Abou Elnour

  • Publisher:

    Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

  • Year Published:

    2009

  • Format:

    Report

  • Size:

    106 pages

  • Price:

    Free

  • Online at:

  • Categories:

    • Australian research and statistics
    • Suicidal behaviour
  • Review:

I need help NOW! Send Feedback
LIFE Framework
The LIFE Framework is Australia’s national resource to prevent suicide and self-harm, and the centrepiece of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy.