Suicide is still the leading cause of death among Australian Defence Force veterans, damning new data has revealed.

A study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that suicide accounted for 42 per cent of deaths among male veterans and 44 per cent of deaths for female veterans.

That was among those who died aged under 30 between 2021 and 2023.

That is compared to 30 per cent of males and 22 per cent of females aged under 30 in the general population.

Between 1997 and 2023, 1840 serving and ex-serving ADF members died by suicide. Of these deaths, 73 occurred in 2023.

Paul Pham, the head of AIHW’s defence and veterans unit, said suicide had a profound and lasting impact on loved ones.

“It deeply affects families and loved ones and sends ripple effects throughout Austra

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