3311.2 - Demography, Victoria, 2000  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 18/12/2001   
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  • Victorian ex-nuptial births more likely to be recognised by father (Media Release)

MEDIA RELEASE

December 18, 2003
Embargoed: 11:30 AM (AEST)
146/2001

Victorian ex-nuptial births more likely to be recognised by father

In Victoria there is an increasing propensity for ex-nuptial births to be recognised by the father, with paternity-acknowledged births accounting for 93% of ex-nuptial births in 2000, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Comparative figures are 80% in 1990 and 55% in 1980.

In 2000, there were 59,200 births registered to mothers whose usual residence was in Victoria. Over half (54%) of all mothers were aged 30 years and over, compared to 40% in 1990 and 27% in 1980. The highest fertility rate occurred for women aged 30–34 years followed by those aged 25–29 years.

There were over 400 deaths due to drug-related causes registered in 2000. Registrations of drug-related deaths doubled between 1980 and 1990 and have quadrupled between 1990 to 2000. In addition, there were over 400 deaths from motor vehicle accidents and over 500 deaths from intentional self-harm (suicide).

In 2000, there were 32,000 deaths registered of people whose usual residence was in Victoria. The leading causes of death were malignant neoplasms (cancer) and heart disease. The median ages at death were 75.8 years for males and 82.0 years for females, the second highest of all Australian States and Territories.

In 2000, more than half (52%) of all marriages were performed by civil celebrants in Victoria, compared to 40% in 1990 and 34% in 1980. The median age at marriage was 30.3 years for the bridegroom and 28.4 years for the bride. The median age at marriage has been increasing for several years for both men and women.

There were 12,400 divorces granted in Victoria during 2000, a 3% decrease from 1999.

For the third year in succession, interstate migration has contributed to the growth of Victoria's population.

Overseas migration (26,900 people) and interstate migration (7,100 people) contributed to Victoria's population of an estimated 4,798,300 in December 2000. This reflects a population growth rate of 1.3%, slightly higher than the national growth rate of 1.2%. The remainder of population growth (26,100 people) can be attributed to natural increase (more births than deaths).

Further details can be found in Demography Victoria, 2000 (cat. no. 3311.2), available in ABS bookshops. This media release and the main features of the publication can be found on this site. If you wish to purchase a copy of this publication contact the ABS Bookshop in your capital city.