- Queensland Mental Health Commission today released the Suicide in Queensland Annual Report 2025.
- The release coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day, with this year's theme: Changing the Narrative on Suicide with a call to action to Start the Conversation.
- In 2025, 781 people died by suspected suicide in Queensland, with the suspected suicide rate falling almost 12 per cent since 2020.
The Queensland Mental Health Commission has today released the Suicide in Queensland Annual Report 2025, providing timely insights into suicide in Queensland.
The report provides a comprehensive picture of suspected suicides in Queensland, using data from the interim Queensland Suicide Register and helps to identify where prevention efforts are needed most.
The release coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day, the annual commemorative event for lives lost to suicide. Behind every figure is a person, a family and a community affected by a life lost too soon.
World Suicide Prevention Day brings together people with lived experience, families, service providers, researchers, government and community organisations to strengthen collaboration and action to prevent suicide.
The report recorded 781 suspected suicides in Queensland in 2025, a rate of 13.5 deaths per 100,000 people.
While the number of deaths increased from 769 in 2024, the longer-term trend shows the suicide rate has fallen from 15.3 deaths per 100,000 people in 2020-a reduction of almost 12 per cent over five years.
Key findings include:
- The suicide rate was 13.5 deaths per 100,000 people, down from 15.3 per 100,000 in 2020.
- 580 males and 201 females died by suspected suicide.
- Almost half of those who died, were aged between 30 and 54.
- 87 First Nations people died by suspected suicide, representing around one in nine deaths recorded in the report. Almost three quarters were aged between 10 and 39.
- 325 people lived in major cities, while 313 lived in regional Queensland and 24 lived in remote or very remote areas.
The report draws on timely data from the interim Queensland Suicide Register to strengthen understanding of suicide across Queensland and guide prevention efforts.
Through Every life: Queensland Suicide Prevention Plan 2019-2029, the Queensland Government is supporting targeted action for groups experiencing greater risk, including men and boys, First Nations communities and young people, while ensuring lived experience continues to shape suicide prevention.
This year's World Suicide Prevention Day theme, Changing the Narrative on Suicide, calls for a shift away from stigma and silence towards openness, empathy and connection, and for systems that make it easier for people to seek help and ensure their voices are heard.
As stated by Acting Queensland Mental Health Commissioner, Bretine Curtis:
"Tragically in 2025, there were 781 people who died by suspected suicide in Queensland.
"Today we remember every Queenslander whose life has been lost, and the families, friends and communities who continue to live with that loss.
"Behind every number in this report is a person, a life that mattered, a person who was loved and valued, and a profound loss that continues to be felt.
"This report highlights the need for ongoing, shared government and community commitment and action to reduce suicide.
"Suicide remains a complex and challenging societal issue with many contributing factors, such as financial, housing and employment instability, relationship and family breakdown, trauma, significant adverse life events, and domestic and family violence.
"The report reflects progress in prevention efforts, as well as the significant work that remains to reduce suicide and support people at risk.
"It highlights the communities and groups experiencing disproportionate impact and helps us identify opportunities to intervene earlier and respond more effectively," Ms Curtis said.
"Changing the narrative means community members are more aware and able to ask a friend, family member or colleague R U Ok? and respond with care and compassion.
"It means the right services and supports are readily available, no matter where people live.
"And it means people with lived experience are valued as partners in prevention," she said.
"It's important that we continue to work together to create a Queensland where everyone feels supported, connected and valued."
The Suicide in Queensland Annual Report 2025 is available on the Queensland Mental Health Commission website qmhc.qld.gov.au.
- Lifeline l 13 11 14 l text 0477 13 11 14 l lifeline.org.au
- 13YARN l 13 92 76 l 13yarn.org.au
- Beyond Blue l 1300 224 636 l beyondblue.org.au
- Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au
