Foreword | Because of the multiplicity and complexity of legislation concerning illegal drug matters in Australia, it is often difficult to obtain precise comparative information about legal provisions governing drug offences. The Institute is often asked to provide up-to-date tables on matters such as maximum penalties for various offences or quantities of drugs which result in different legal categorisations.
As an aid to answering such questions, Anita Scandia has compiled a comprehensive listing of the major provisions of Australian federal, state and territory legislation dealing with illegal drugs. Researchers, politicians, media groups, and others will find this a valuable source in which to identify the particular provisions of interest to them.
Grant Wardlaw
Senior Criminologist
May 1988