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Causes of death

10 October 2024

Causes of Death, Australia

There were 183,131 deaths in 2023, a 4.1% decline from 2022.
Ischaemic heart disease remained the leading cause of death, but less than 250 deaths separate it from dementia which was the second leading cause.
COVID-19 was the 9th leading cause of death accounting for just over 5,000 deaths.

Reference period

2023

24 June 2020

Causes of Death, Australia: Doctor Certified Deaths, Summary Tables

Statistics on doctor certified death registrations

Reference period

2019

18 December 2024

Provisional Mortality Statistics

141,232 deaths occurred between January and September 2024, 2.6% more than 2023 but 3.0% fewer than 2022.
14,932 deaths occurred in September 2024, comparable to 2023 but 5.4% fewer than 2022.
There were 148 deaths due to COVID-19 in September 2024, down from the June peak of 675 (see article).

Reference period

Jan - Sep 2024