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Illicit drugs and alcohol

National Illicit Drug Strategy

Also known as "Tough on Drugs", the National Illicit Drug Strategy was launched by the Australian Government in 1997 and continues to form part of the National Drug Strategy.

The strategy funds a range of law enforcement initiatives aimed at reducing the supply of illicit drugs. Funding is also allocated for demand reduction initiatives which cover five priority areas:

  1. Treatment of users of illicit drugs, including identification of best practice.
  2. Prevention of illicit drug use.
  3. Training and skills development for front line workers who come into contact with drug users or at risk groups.
  4. Monitoring and evaluation, including data collection.
  5. Research.

Some of the funded initiatives include needle and syringe programs, the National Comorbity Initiative, which aims to improve treatment of drug users with mental health problems; the National Illicit Drug Strategy Research Fund; and the Australian Drug Information Network.

The strategy resulted from consultation and cooperation between the Australian Government, the Australian National Council on Drugs, state government and non-government organisations.

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