From 2001 to 2016, there were 373 suicides in serving, ex-serving and reserve Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel. Compared with all Australian men, the age-adjusted rate of suicide over the period was 51% lower for men serving full time in the ADF, 47% lower for men in the reserves and 18% higher for ex-serving men. In 2014–2016, ex-serving men aged under 30 had a suicide rate 2.2 times that of Australian men the same age.

  • Cat. no: PHE 313
Findings from this report:

  • In 2001–2016 there were 373 suicides in serving, reserve & ex-serving ADF
    personnel with 1 day of service since 2001

  • In 2002–2016 the age-adjusted suicide rate was lower for serving and reserve
    men than for all Australian men

  • For 2002 to 2016 ex-serving men had an age-adjusted suicide rate 18% higher
    than for all Australian men

  • Ex-serving men aged under 30 had a suicide rate 2.2 times that of Australian men
    the same age, for 2014–2016