From 2001 to 2017, there were 419 suicides in serving, reserve and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel who have served since 2001. Compared with Australian men, the age-adjusted rate of suicide over this period was 48% lower for men serving and in the reserves, and 18% higher for ex-serving men. Over the same period, the age-adjusted rate of suicide among ex-serving women was higher than that of Australian women.

Findings from this report:

  • In 2001–2017 there were 419 suicides in serving, reserve & ex-serving ADF personnel who have served since 2001

  • In 2002–2017 the age-adjusted rate of suicide in serving and reserve men was 48% lower than in Australian men

  • In 2002–2017 the age-adjusted rate of suicide in ex-serving women was higher than in Australian women

  • In 2002–2017 the age-adjusted rate of suicide in ex-serving men was 18% higher than in Australian men