Cocaine use in Queensland has been under the microscope recently, thanks in part to a comprehensive new report by the University of Queensland and the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre. So, what are the findings from the report and what does it mean for drug testing efforts in Queensland workplaces?
The report, titled Trends in cocaine use, availability, price and purity in Brisbane and Gold Coast between 2003 and 2024, provides important insight into the growth of cocaine use in Queensland’s two largest cities. It also provides a look into what this might mean for the broader community, including our workplaces.
The research paints a clear picture. Cocaine use has increased significantly in Brisbane and the Gold Coast over the last two decades.
The study analysed data from wastewater monitoring, drug seizures, arrest data, price and purity reports, and health indicators to build a detailed snapshot of trends across a 21-year span. The aim? To better understand how cocaine availability and consumption have changed over time, and what the implications might be for harm reduction and public health efforts.
Cocaine use on the rise
The headline findings from the report are striking. According to the data:
- Cocaine consumption in Brisbane and the Gold Coast has grown significantly since 2016, with wastewater data showing a more than four-fold increase in use.
- Seizures of cocaine by law enforcement have increased in both frequency and volume, indicating growing availability.
- The average purity of cocaine has risen, while the price has remained relatively stable, making the drug more appealing and accessible to users.
- Cocaine-related arrests and hospital admissions have also increased, signaling a growing public health and social concern.
This Queensland data aligns with a broader, unenviable national trend. The 2024 United Nations World Drug Report revealed that Australia now shares the dubious title of having the highest per-capita cocaine use in the world, alongside New Zealand. It’s an unenviable honour that highlights how widespread cocaine use has become in our society — and one that raises important questions about the potential impacts on our workplaces.
Cocaine and the workplace: Is it an issue?
Is cocaine use an issue in the workplace? This isn’t necessarily an easy answer as there are indicators (such as the reports highlighted above) that would suggest yes, while other stats highlight that other drugs are more of a concern.
At Integrity Sampling, we conduct workplace drug testing across Queensland, from Brisbane to the Gold Coast and beyond. While we are certainly seeing cocaine positives in our testing programs, they are far from the most common type of drug detected. Cannabis remains the dominant drug in terms of positive workplace drug tests, representing the bulk of detections.
In contrast, which the stats do fluctuate, cocaine typically accounts for around 3% of all positive drug tests each year. This figure is closely aligned with national estimates of annual cocaine use among Australians, which sit at around 4%. In other words, the rate of detection in workplaces roughly mirrors general population usage — suggesting that while cocaine use is present in workplaces, it’s not yet a dominant issue.
However, that doesn’t mean there’s no cause for concern. Cocaine use is slowly growing, both in general society and in the workplace. And because it’s often seen as a “party drug” used in social or recreational settings, there’s a tendency to underestimate the risk it can pose in professional environments.
Why cocaine use in workplaces matters
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant. It can cause overconfidence, poor judgement, aggression, increased risk-taking, and impaired decision-making — all of which can be serious liabilities in a workplace setting. For industries that rely on heavy machinery, driving, manual labour or other safety-critical tasks, even small amounts of impairment can be catastrophic.
There’s also the question of culture. A workplace that tolerates or ignores drug use, even at low levels, may be contributing to an unsafe environment. Even occasional cocaine use by employees — particularly if it goes unchecked — can lead to significant safety, legal and reputational risks for employers.
What Queensland employers can do
If you’re a business owner or manager in Queensland and you’re concerned about the risks posed by drugs in your workplace, now is the time to act. Whether it’s cannabis, cocaine, or any other substance, it’s essential to have a clear and robust drug and alcohol management policy in place — backed by regular workplace drug testing and education.
That’s where we come in.
At Integrity Sampling, we provide expert services in drug testing, management and education throughout Queensland. With eight locations across the state, our local teams are ready to help you develop and implement a comprehensive workplace drug and alcohol strategy tailored to your business and industry.
We offer:
- On-site workplace drug and alcohol testing
- Assistance in developing or reviewing your drug and alcohol policy
- Education and training for staff and management
- Expert guidance and support on dealing with positive tests and risk mitigation
If you’d like to discuss drug and alcohol management for your Queensland workplace, contact your local Integrity Sampling team today. We’re here to help:
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Cocaine use is rising in Queensland, but is it being seen in workplace drug testing statistics? Learn what the data says, and how Integrity Sampling can help your business stay safe. Credit Colin Davis https://unsplash.com/photos/purple-and-black-plastic-bottle-pJgSrU_e2Ks (image modified)
