Illicit drugs and alcohol

Australian responses to illicit drugs

Legislation

All Australian states and territories have legislated against the possession, manufacture and distribution of a range of illicit drugs. In accordance with United Nations treaty obligations, certain substances used as precursors for the manufacture of illicit drugs are strictly controlled.

Although the content of the legislation is different in each jurisdiction, the central themes are the same. Penalties are higher for those found to be dealing in drugs than those possessing them for their own use, and people convicted of trafficking large amounts of drugs are liable for a greater penalty than lower level dealers. Drug trafficking is a serious offence and conviction may resulted in life imprisonment. Most jurisdictions have enacted legislation allowing the seizure and forfeiture of assets derived from drug dealing.

Many of the powers exercised by police can be found in these Acts. Some of the powers provided include the conducting of undercover operations, use of sniffer dogs and to search people and places.

In addition to illicit drug control, some states have legislation prescribing how intoxicated people are dealt with by police and other services.

Legislation by jurisdiction

• Commonwealth
• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia

Related links

• Penalties for the possession of selected drugs
  (under Commonwealth, State and Territory legislation)