They questioned whether there was a rural suicide problem in Queensland. Further, the Queensland picture does not appear to be atypical. There are differences in suicide base rates in the various States. Whether Melbourne's low base rate in 1964 is coincidental, or a result of Victorian coroners showing less willingness to reach a verdict of suicide, requires further investigation. Tasmania's relative isolation, demographically stable population, and easy firearm access may explain its consistently high suicide rates.
Suicide methods differ somewhat between States.
The high rates for car exhaust suicides in Western Australia may reflect its relative isolation and this method's cultural acceptability. Carbon monoxide sensors, exhaust modifications and changes to catalytic converters may be effective prevention measures. Applying methods to prevent car exhaust suicide and reducing the availability of guns may reduce suicide rates by these two methods, and possibly total suicide rates. While rates for suicide by various methods may differ in different States, residential area trends for firearm and hanging suicides were pronounced in all States. Restrictive legislation may differentially affect firearm suicides in metropolitan areas, where availability is lower.