The number of men who died from alcohol-related causes in 2024 increased to the highest in the past 10 years, new ABS data shows.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today released the latest data on Causes of Death in Australia.
The data shows men were almost three times more likely to die from alcohol-related causes compared to women.
The overall rate of alcohol-induced deaths in 2024 increased 1.7 per cent from 2023. The data shows the rate of deaths has returned to an upward trajectory.
There were 1,765 alcohol-induced deaths recorded in 2024: a rate of 5.9 deaths for every 100,000 people living in Australia.
Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education CEO Ayla Chorley said the figures underscored the need for governments to act.
“It is devastating to see the ways alcoholic products cause harm to communities. Every person who dies because of alcohol is a life lost too soon, leaving behind loved ones grieving a child, parent, partner or friend,” Ms Chorley said.
“Alcohol-induced deaths increased most significantly in the ACT, South Australia and Queensland. We can also see that men are disproportionately dying from alcohol-related causes, and at a decade-high number.
“When alcohol becomes more accessible and available, harms increase. We know the expansion of largely unchecked rapid home delivery of alcohol, and sophisticated, targeted online marketing has led to greater harm.
“Alcohol-induced deaths can be reduced if governments act decisively to implement common-sense measures.
“We need to see federal regulation of alcohol marketing that prioritises community wellbeing above industry interests.
“Every state and territory government can also play their part by implementing common-sense measures to reduce harm from alcohol, including addressing rapid delivery of alcohol to the home.
“This means keeping delivery to between 10am – 10pm, introducing a two-hour safety pause between order and delivery, and enshrining in law that preventing harm is the government’s first priority when making decisions about alcohol.”
-ENDS-
Media outlets are requested to promote help-seeking information when reporting on alcohol and other drugs, in line with the Mindframe National Guidelines. Suggested wording relating this this media story: If you or someone you know needs support, please call Lifeline 13 11 14, the National 24/7 Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline 1800 250 015 or 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732.
