The issues of illicit drugs in Australia are well-known, so what are Australian government doing about it? According to a report by the University of New South Wales, they’re putting most of their efforts into law enforcement.
The drug report by the Drug Policy Modelling Program at UNSW Sydney, highlights where governments are spending our money to combat illicit drugs. The report is summarised in a media article on the UNSW website.
Australia’s approach to combating drug use involves significant funding across various areas. But it’s law enforcement that gets most of our hard-earned cash.
Spending on illicit drug issues
According to the UNSW, Australia allocated around $5.45 billion across four main areas to fight drug issues in 2021/2022:
- Law Enforcement: A substantial portion of the budget ($3.5 billion) was dedicated to policing and legal proceedings related to drug offenses. This includes border security, local police efforts and the judicial system.
- Treatment: Around $1.5 billion was allocated to support rehabilitation centres, outpatient treatment programs and other services aimed at helping individuals recover from addiction.
- Harm Reduction: This area includes needle exchange programs, supervised injection sites and other initiatives designed to reduce the immediate risks associated with drug use. Around $89 million was spent in this area in 2021/2022.
- Prevention: Around $363 million was spent on education programs, community outreach and campaigns aimed at preventing drug use before it starts.
The debate on allocation
There’s an ongoing debate about whether the balance of spending is optimal. Critics argue that too much funding is directed toward law enforcement and not enough toward harm reduction and prevention.
For example, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation has stressed the critical need for more funding in prevention efforts due to the increasing rate of drug-induced fatalities in Australia. They advocate for sustained investment in evidence-based prevention programs and targeted educational campaigns to address this growing issue effectively.
It seems that the general public agrees.
The latest National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022/23 asked respondents how they would spend $100 to reduce illicit drug use. Respondents suggested nearly equal distribution across the three areas of education, treatment and law enforcement. This perhaps indicates that Australians would prefer a more well-rounded investment strategy to combat drug use effectively.
Key messages for business owners
Business owners concerned about the potential impacts of drugs on their workplace can’t do a lot about how Australian governments spend money to combat illicit drugs. However, they can take proactive measures to mitigate the risks of illicit drugs. Here are some steps that every workplace should consider:
- Educating employees on the dangers of drug use is crucial. Key topics to cover include:
- The health risks associated with drug use.
- The impact of drug use on job performance and safety.
- How to recognise signs of drug impairment in colleagues.
- Establish clear guidelines regarding drug and alcohol use in the workplace. This policy should include:
- Prohibited substances.
- Consequences for policy violations.
- Procedures for drug testing.
- Conducting regular drug testing can help enforce your policy and maintain a drug-free workplace. This could include:
- Pre-employment screening.
- Random testing.
- Post-incident testing.
- Under suspicion testing.
While Australian governments continue to evaluate and adjust their spending to fight drug use, business owners can play a vital role by implementing education programs, robust policies and regular testing. By taking these steps, you can help create a safer and more productive work environment.
FEATURED IMAGE CAPTION:
Where do Australian governments spend our money to combat illicit drug use? You probably won’t be surprised by the answer.
