It began with its first framework in 1998 and has regularly formulated the Australian approach to drug education, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of substance abuse.
[1] Its main function is establishing a set of policies, implemented at state and local level, that promote research-based solutions to the complex issues presented by drug use in society.
Through the various iterations of the NDS it has faced increasing scrutiny over its perceived divergence from its original purpose, as well as perpetuating policies which allocate resources inefficiently.
The original NDS began in 1998, when it produced its first document directing the policy of the Liberal government's "Tough on Drugs" campaign.
The initial NCADA campaign was the first Australian policy formulation process to include the concept of harm minimisation, as opposed to a zero-tolerance approach.
[3] Policy experts noted how “it provided a basis for consultation and cooperation among health, education and law enforcement agencies”.
Harm minimisation remained the core element of drug policy in Australia for the duration of the NCADA as well as when it morphed into the NDS.
Akin to previous frameworks produced by the NDS, harm minimisation remains the focus of this document with the three pillars aiming to provide a balanced policy approach.
The effect of this can be seen in harm minimisation implementation, such as the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre in Kings Cross, Sydney, as well as over 3500 safe Needle and Syringe programs in all major Australian cities.
[9] In an assessment of the impact of drug use on families, former speaker of the house Bronwyn Bishop noted that the NDS should “continue its allocation of significant resources to policing activity as [it is] a highly effective prevention method”.