Methamphetamine is a controlled drug in Australia and is classified as a Schedule 8 (Controlled Drug) under the current Poisons Standard.

It is illegal to possess methamphetamine without lawful authority. Penalties apply for the unlawful possession, use, manufacture, importation, exportation or sale of methamphetamine. It is also an offence to drive with methamphetamine present in prescribed body fluids or to drive while impaired by methamphetamine. Penalties vary between jurisdictions but may include fines, imprisonment, licence disqualification and other sanctions.

Some states and territories operate police or court diversion programs that may refer people found in possession of small quantities of methamphetamine and other illicit drugs to treatment or education programs rather than criminal justice proceedings. To reduce the manufacture of methamphetamine, precursor chemicals such as pseudoephedrine are also subject to regulatory controls.