Cocaine is a controlled drug in Australia. According to the Poisons Standard, cocaine is a ‘Schedule 8’ drug.

It is against the law to be in possession of a Schedule 8 drug without a proper prescription. There are penalties for illegal possession, use, manufacture, importation, exportation, or sale of cocaine. It is also an offence to drive with cocaine present in body fluids or to drive under its influence. Penalties vary between jurisdictions, but may include fines, loss of demerit points, imprisonment, and disqualification from driving.

Some states and territories have police or court diversion programs, which refer people who have been apprehended with small quantities of illicit drugs to treatment/education programs, rather than going through the criminal justice system.