3302.0 - Deaths, Australia, 2016 Quality Declaration 
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 27/09/2017   
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DEATH RATES


Crude death rates

In 2016, the crude death rate (CDR) in Australia decreased slightly to 6.5 deaths per 1,000 population, down from 6.7 in 2015. During 2006 to 2016, the CDRs has been relatively stable with the highest rate at 6.8 deaths per 1,000 population in 2008 and the lowest at 6.4 in 2013. For detailed data on mortality rates, see ABS.Stat Datasets - Deaths, Year of registration, Summary data, Sex, States, Territories and Australia and ABS.Stat Datasets - Deaths, Year of registration, Age at death, Age-specific death rates, Sex, States, Territories and Australia from the Downloads tab.


Age-specific death rates

In 2016, people aged 5-9 and 10-14 years had the lowest age-specific death rate (ASDR) in Australia. ASDRs for the other age groups below 35-39 (except age 0 and 1-4) years were all under 1 death per 1,000 population. ASDRs begin to increase from 40-44 years, then more rapidly from 50-54 years.

For nearly all age groups, ASDRs were higher for males than for females. The exceptions were the 5-9 and 10-14 years age groups where the male and female ASDRs were the same. ASDRs for males increase gradually until the age group 55-59 years, then they increase more quickly throughout the older age groups. ASDRs for females aged 15-49 years are relatively low and constant, under 2 deaths per 1,000 population. Steady increases in female ASDRs are evident beyond the 50-54 years age group. The rate of increase in female ASDRs rapidly increases for the older age groupings.


Standardised death rates

Australia

In 2016, the standardised death rate (SDR) decreased slightly to 5.4 deaths per 1,000 standard population, following an SDR of 5.5 in both 2014 and 2015. For the period 2006 to 2016, the SDR showed an overall decline, whilst experiencing some small fluctuations. The SDRs for males and females also showed an overall decline during the period, again with some small fluctuations (see graph 1.3).

Graph Image for 1.3 STANDARDISED DEATH RATES(a), Australia - 1976 to 2016

Footnote(s): (a) Deaths per 1,000 standard population. Standardised death rates use the age distribution of total persons in the Australian population at 30 June 2001 as the standard population.

Source(s): Deaths, Australia (3302.0).




States and territories

In 2016, the Northern Territory had the highest SDR (7.3 deaths per 1,000 standard population). Tasmania recorded the second highest SDR (6.3). The Australian Capital Territory had the lowest SDR (4.7).

Over the past 10 years, SDRs declined in all states and territories. The Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory experienced the largest declines (falling by 1.5 and 0.8 deaths per 1,000 standard population respectively). These declines were followed by Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland (each falling 0.7). (see graph 1.4).

Graph Image for 1.4 STANDARDISED DEATH RATES(a), States and territories - 2006 and 2016

Footnote(s): (a) Deaths per 1,000 standard population. Standardised death rates use the age distribution of total persons in the Australian population at 30 June 2001 as the standard population.

Source(s): Deaths, Australia (3302.0)



Remoteness areas

In 2016, the SDR was lowest in Australia's Major Cities, with 5.3 deaths per 1,000 standard population. ASDRs then increase with increasing remoteness.

Infant mortality shows a similar pattern. In 2016, the infant mortality rate was lowest in Major Cities (2.9 deaths per 1,000 live births) and highest in Very Remote areas (8.6 deaths per 1,000 live births). For detailed data, see data cube Table 6: Deaths, Summary, Remoteness Areas - 2006 to 2016, from the Downloads tab.