Drug Education Student Booklet

6 DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE AND THE LAW In Australia, the legal drinking age is 18 years old. It is illegal for someone under the age of 18 (minors) to purchase or to drink alcohol in licensed premises (e.g. a bar, club, restaurant). In many jurisdictions it is also illegal for someone under the age of 18 to consume alcohol in public places. In a private residence, it is illegal to supply alcohol to minors unless you have the parent or guardian’s permission and can provide responsible adult supervision. It is against the law to possess, use, make, import or sell illegal drugs. Possession of drug-using equipment (e.g. a cannabis bong or pipe) that has been used to consume drugs is also against the law in most states and territories. Likewise, if illegal drugs are found in a person’s locker, home, car, etc., they will be charged, unless they can prove that the drugs do not belong to them. The penalties for drug offences vary depending on the age of the offender (adult or minor), type of drug, quantities involved, previous offences, and the state or territory in which the offence happened. A CRIMINAL RECORD CAN LEAD TO DIFFICULTIES GETTING A JOB, CREDIT CARD OR EVEN A VISA FOR OVERSEAS TRAVEL. MINOR DRUG OFFENCE Most states and territories will allow police to divert someone from going to court if charged for a minor drug offence such as possession of very small amounts of certain illegal drugs. This can result in: A CAUTION A formal warning recorded on a database for police records. A YOUTH JUSTICE CONFERENCE A meeting where issues surrounding the offence are discussed with the parent/guardian, police, and health professionals. A DRUG ASSESSMENT AND EDUCATION SESSION This involves being assessed for drug use and undergoing an education and counselling session. MAJOR DRUG OFFENCE If someone is caught with a larger quantity of illegal drugs or is a repeat offender, they may not qualify for a diversion or caution and could face other penalties such as: A FINE This can be up to $100,000. A CRIMINAL PENALTY This can include a heavy fine and/or imprisonment which may be up to 25 years.