Suicide by ADF members, like suicide in the Australian population, is an ongoing and complex public health issue. Ex-serving ADF members as a population group are at increased risk of suicide (AIHW 2021a, 2021b). This report investigates socioeconomic characteristics for ex-serving ADF males with at least one day of service since 1 January 2001 in relation to deaths by suicide between 9 August 2011 and 31 December 2018.
This analysis was prepared for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide for their interim report that was published 11 August 2022.
- Cat. no: PHE 312
Findings from this report:
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Younger ex-serving males (17–24) were 4 times more at risk of suicide compared with older ex-serving males (45–80)
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Widowed/separated/never married ex-serving males were 4 times more at risk of suicide relative to those who were married
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Ex-serving males living alone were 6 times more at risk of suicide compared with those in a couple family with children
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Ex-serving males earning $200-599 per week were 7 times more at risk of suicide relative to those earning $1,500 or more
Note: Separated includes ex-serving ADF males who were either separated or divorced.