Australia’s death toll has dropped by 4.1% in 2023, with 183,131 lives lost, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in its latest Causes of Death report. While this suggests progress, what’s really behind the numbers? The fading impact of COVID-19 has certainly contributed, but new figures reveal other factors at play, shedding light on the complex health challenges Australia continues to face.
COVID-19, once one of the leading causes of death, has dropped dramatically in its toll. In 2023, it accounted for just over 5,000 deaths, placing it ninth on the list. This is a stark contrast to the previous year, when nearly 10,000 lives were lost to the virus, putting it in third place. Vaccination efforts, improved treatments, and better management of the risks have all contributed to the decline, although the virus remains a lingering threat.
But as the impact of COVID-19 wanes, other causes have surged back to the forefront. Ischaemic heart disease continues to hold the top spot, responsible for 9.2% of all deaths. Yet dementia, with its steady rise, is closing the gap, accounting for 9.1%. Less than 250 deaths now separate these two causes. With an ageing population, dementia is expected to soon take the lead, especially as it has been the leading cause of death among women since 2016.
The surge in dementia-related deaths begs the question of whether better diagnosis, improved reporting, or demographic changes are behind this trend. As Australians live longer, managing dementia is becoming a pressing healthcare challenge, with long-term care and support services under increasing strain.
Despite the drop in deaths, Australia’s mortality rate is still higher than pre-pandemic levels. The age-standardised mortality rate sits at 513 deaths per 100,000 people, lower than in 2022 but still not back to earlier norms. Health experts point to an ageing population and a range of chronic conditions—such as cancer and respiratory diseases—as key contributors to this elevated figure.
While these chronic diseases dominate the statistics, the data also highlights the persistence of external causes of death. Suicide remains a leading cause of premature death, responsible for more than 107,000 years of potential life lost in 2023. A total of 3,214 Australians took their own lives last year, with men making up the bulk of cases. The numbers may rise as coronial investigations are completed, underscoring the ongoing struggle with mental health across the country.
Drug-related deaths followed a similar pattern, with 1,635 recorded in 2023. Opioids remain the most commonly detected substance in toxicology reports, reflecting the continuing opioid crisis affecting Australia and much of the world. Motor vehicle accidents claimed 1,290 lives, with younger men and elderly women being the most vulnerable groups. The uptick in road fatalities among older women raises fresh concerns about road safety and the need for targeted interventions.
Avoidable deaths remain a persistent concern. These are deaths among people under 75 that could have been prevented with earlier healthcare interventions. In 2023, 28,112 deaths fell into this category, a slight improvement from the previous year but still a reminder that gaps in healthcare continue to claim lives. With accidents, suicide, and drug-related deaths comprising a significant portion of avoidable mortality, it’s clear that more needs to be done in terms of mental health support, drug policy, and road safety.
The focus is clearly shifting to the long-term challenges posed by an ageing population. Dementia, in particular, is expected to overtake heart disease as the leading cause of death in the coming years, marking a shift in healthcare priorities. At the same time, the continued presence of preventable deaths raises questions about the effectiveness of current healthcare systems and the gaps that still exist.
Disclaimer: Crisis Support Services Available 24/7
Some of the statistics mentioned in this article may be distressing. If you need support, please contact one of the following services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
- MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
- 13YARN: 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
- Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 (for young people aged 5 to 25 years)
- National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline: 1800 250 015
Please take care and seek support if needed.
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