Higher rates of syphilis among Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait Islander people reflect persistent health inequities stemming from colonisation and ongoing systemic barriers. These include reduced access to primary healthcare, culturally inappropriate mainstream services, and inadequate health infrastructure in remote and regional communities, contributing to poorer health outcomes.
Infectious syphilis notifications (infections of less than two years’ duration)
In 2024:
There were 5,866 infectious syphilis notifications
79% of infectious syphilis notifications were in males
Notification rates were highest among people aged 30 to 34 years
There were 10 congenital syphilis cases
Between 2015 – 2024:
Infectious syphilis increased more than 200% among females
The infectious syphilis notification rate among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples increased by 76%
There were 103 congenital syphilis cases34 of which resulted in the death of the infant (including stillbirth)
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people were disproportionately represented in the notification data, accounting for 53% of congenital syphilis notifications
Source: King J, Kwon J, Gray R, McManus H, McGregor S. HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmissible infections in Australia: Annual surveillance report 2025. Sydney: The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney; 2025.
National Australian Syphilis Notification rates and trends can be explored in the below interactive sites with filters for age, sex, and duration. Some states and territories also have separate notification breakdowns.
