Provisional mortality data for January-May 2026 shows 73,997 deaths, representing a 1.0% rise from 2025 but a 1.3% decline compared to 2024. May 2026 recorded 15,897 deaths, 0.9% less than 2025 and 2.4% fewer than 2024. Age-standardised death rates for March, April, and May 2026 varied compared to previous years, with rates generally lower than 2024 but comparable to 2025. Notable trends include a 7.3% increase in dementia deaths compared to 2025, while influenza deaths in May were significantly lower than both 2024 and 2025. COVID-19 deaths certified by doctors in May 2026 were 48.1% below 2025 levels and 87.3% lower than 2024. Data completeness improved over time, with 95,768 deaths occurring in 2026 and 12,384 in 2025 as of July 31, 2026.
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This article is a summary of content originally published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
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