Injuries and the Australian Mortality Mosaic: a Comparison with the United Kingdom and New Zealand

With reference to comparative data for New Zealand & the UK, the contribution of injuries to Australian mortality data is examined against the 3 leading causes of death-heart disease, cancer, & cerebrovascular disease. Injuries rank first as a cause of male premature mortality & are second to cancer for females. Irrespective of sex, Australian & N.Z. premature injury mortality rates are similar, & are almost double the British rates. 75% of the variation is due to suicide & traffic deaths.