The Australian Institute of Criminology has been monitoring homicides in Australia since 1989. Homicide includes murder, manslaughter and infanticide, but excludes driving-related fatalities unless these occur in the course of a criminal event. In 2005-06 there were 283 homicide incidents in Australia, resulting in 301 victims, committed by 336 offenders. This represents an increase from the previous year, although overall it appears that homicide incidents are in decline. The figure below shows the number of homicide incidents in Australia from 1989-90 to 2005-06. There has been a statistically significant downward trend in the incidence of homicide in Australia over this 17 year period (Kendall's tau = -0.42; p=.02).
Homicide incidents in Australia, 1989–90 to 2005–06 (number) [see attached PDF for graph]
Reference
- Davies M & Mouzos J 2007. Homicide in Australia: 2005-2006 National Homicide Monitoring Program annual report. Research and public policy series no. 77. Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology