The findings in this paper from a preliminary analysis of data on causes of death & official crime statistics seem to indicate that, in Australia, there has been a decline in firearm-related deaths in 1997, mostly due to a decline in the rate of suicides & accidents. This reduction occurred in all states & territories with the exception of NSW & Victoria. There is also some preliminary evidence that in some cases, for example, suicide & armed robbery, firearms may be being displaced by other methods or weapons. (18 refs.)