Methamphetamine is a controlled drug in Australia. According to the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (SUSMP), methamphetamine 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 methamphetamine. It is also an offence to drive with methamphetamine 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.

Laws have also been introduced in some states and territories that prevent the sale and possession of ‘ice pipes’. To assist in reducing the supply and manufacture of methamphetamine, the precursor chemicals needed to make methamphetamine have also been restricted (e.g. pseudoephedrine).