Some quotes

Nearly 130,000 Australians died in the first eight months of last year, 17 per cent above the historical rate of deaths, temporarily lowering the nation’s life expectancy.

In the first eight months of 2022, the first year when all major COVID-19 restrictions were dropped, 129,000 Australians died. That was 13.2 per cent more than in the same period the previous year and 17 per cent above the historical average, in part due to COVID-19 as well as higher than average deaths from other diseases.

Deaths from dementia and diabetes also increased substantially in 2022 compared to the historical averages – by 18.9 per cent for dementia and 20.8 per cent for diabetes.

McVernon noted that some people with chronic conditions delayed medical care in the last three years, as the pandemic overwhelmed hospitals, making people wary of seeking help.

Despite fears earlier in the pandemic that extended lockdowns and social-distancing restrictions could drive a surge in suicide rates, the report said so far the suicide rate had dropped compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Article reports the assumption this trend will end this year and everything goes back to normal while also quoting the report saying everything is uncertain