Illicit Drug Strategies

The National Drug Strategy 2004-2009

The National Drug Strategy (NDS) 2004 - 2009 is a cooperative venture between the Australian, state and territory governments and the non-government sector to improve the health, social and economic outcomes for Australians by preventing the uptake of harmful drug use and reducing the harmful effects of licit and illicit drugs in our society.

For more information about the strategy, click here.

The NDS encourages policies and programs aimed at preventing anticipated drug related harm as well as reducing actual harm and encompasses:

• supply reduction strategies to disrupt the production and supply of illicit drugs and the control and regulation of licit substances;
• demand reduction strategies to prevent the uptake of harmful drug use, including abstinence orientated strategies to reduce drug use; and
• harm reduction strategies to reduce drug related harm to individuals and communities.
  

A number of further strategies addressing specific illicit drug issues have been developed within the NDS framework:

National Cannabis Strategy 2006-2009

National Amphetamine-Type Stimulant Strategy 2008-2011

The South Australian Drug Strategy 2005-2010 was implemented in 2005 and is consistent with the NDS. It is currently under review.

The SAPOL response to illicit drugs is part of a balanced approach to reducing the harms associated with drug use in general. The philosophies and operational procedures are based upon the principles of harm minimisation as outlined in the NDS and are explained in the SAPOL Illicit Drug Strategy 2008-2011.