In the Australian Institute of Criminology’s Homicide in Australia: 2010-11 to 2011-12 National Homicide Monitoring Program (NHMP) annual report, authors Willow Bryant and Tracy Cussen describe the nature and context of homicides occurring throughout the 2010-11 and 2011-12 financial years. Although much of the data is presented in the aggregate, figures for each financial year are provided in some circumstances to aid the monitoring of trends. Ongoing monitoring of homicide locates short-term changes within a longer timeframe and enables policymakers and law enforcement personnel to identify changes in risk markers associated with incidents, victims and offenders.

Key findings from this report include: From July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2012, there were a total of 479 homicide incidents – 236 in 2010-11 and 243 in 2011-12. Knives continue to be the most commonly used weapon, with 42 per cent (n=98) of all homicide incidents in 2010-11 involving knives/sharp instruments. This decreased to 33 per cent (n=79) in 2011-12. During the period between 2010-11 and 2011-12, approximately one in 10 (n=69; 14 per cent) homicide incidents involved the use of a firearm.