Caution:
This site includes information about child deaths, which some readers may find distressing. If you need support, free and confidential help is available.
We wish to convey our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the infants, children and young people in NSW who have died. It is our foremost responsibility to learn from these deaths and to use that knowledge to make a difference.
Biennial report of the deaths of children in New South Wales: 2022 and 2023
The report analyses the 885 deaths of children and young people in NSW over 2022-2023.
It examines 15-year trends to reveal patterns in causes, demographics and risk factors contributing to child deaths. While overall mortality has declined, the report shows that inequities persist for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, those living in regional and remote areas, children from disadvantaged communities, and those with a child protection history. It presents the CDRT’s evidence-based findings and recommendations to reduce preventable deaths and strengthen responses.
Page last updated
5 November 2025
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Biennial report of the deaths of children in New South Wales: 2022 and 2023Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with lived experience should be aware that this report includes information about child deaths.
We use the Mindframe guidelines on responsible, accurate and safe suicide and self-harm reporting.
The report analyses deaths from natural and external causes, and tracks long-term changes in child mortality rates. It finds that perinatal and congenital conditions remain the leading natural causes of infant deaths, while transport and suicide are the leading external causes among older children.
The report contains discussion of 3 key focus areas: Deaths due to asthma, School connectedness and suicide prevention, and Methamphetamine detection in infant deaths. The report identifies issues, highlights current research and recommends further research and prevention activities about these topics.
The report also makes recommendations in relation to infants and children being left unattended in vehicles, and suicide prevention.