Across Australia the number of divorces decreased by 348 (0.7%), from 52,747 in 2004 to 52,399 in 2005.

In 2005, the number of divorces in Australia represented the fourth annual decrease since a high of 55,330 in 2001. There was a 2.4% decrease in 2002. After 2002, the decline in the number of divorces has slowed with each successive year. Divorces in 2005 represented an increase of 5.4% on the number granted in 1995 (49,712), and a 31.6% increase on the number granted in 1985 (39,830).