Causes of death

• In 2021, 71,503 deaths occurred by 30 June and were registered by 31 August.
• Counts of deaths were above historical averages for each month of 2021. 
• Age-standardised mortality rates were below historical averages for each month of 2021. 

• COVID-19 was the 38th leading cause of death (898 deaths).
• In 2020 there was a decrease in mortality in Australia. 
• The five leading causes decreased, with a significant reduction in respiratory diseases.
• Rates from suicide, drug overdoses and car crashes decreased.
• Alcohol-induced death rates increased by 8.3%.

Statistics on doctor certified death registrations