69th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs: National Statement
Statement by H.E. Ambassador Ian Biggs, Australia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and International Organisations in Vienna
9 March 2026
Chair, and Distinguished Delegates
The Commission on Narcotic Drugs remains the most valuable global forum for advancing our shared international drug policy commitments, and we are pleased to be represented here today.
Australia, as a trusted world-leading producer of opiates for pharmaceutical purposes, remains committed to the integrity of the UNODC and the governing UN drug control conventions and the international drug control framework.
The continued presence of synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances in our local markets presents ongoing social, health and security challenges. These substances are often high in potency, bringing increased risk of harm to people who use drugs and communities.
Australia is implementing a series of initiatives to reduce these risks, including through the establishment of our Prompt Response Network, a national project that coordinates existing early warning systems across Australia and New Zealand to provide timely responses.
For delegates wanting to know more about our Prompt Response Network, we are hosting a side event that explores the public health applications of early warning this Thursday at 11:30am. The event also provides an opportunity to hear from Brazil, New Zealand, and the Netherlands on their respective national experiences and practices. We welcome your participation either in person or online.
Chair, and Distinguished Delegates
Methamphetamine remains the drug posing the greatest challenge to Australia and our region.
Australia is working closely with regional partners to detect, deter and disrupt drug trafficking by transnational, serious and organised crime groups. Through programs like the Mekong-Australia Partnership on Transnational Crime, the Pacific Policing Initiative and our support for UNODC’s safe handling and drug disposal work in Southeast Asia, we are building deeper and stronger cooperation across the Indo-Pacific to combat this shared challenge.
Australia recently launched a new wastewater drug monitoring program in Fiji, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to improving community safety and public health through innovative, evidence-based approaches.
Increases in methamphetamine availability coupled with unsafe injecting drug practices have been attributed to an alarming growth in numbers of HIV transmission in our region.
Australia is supporting efforts in Southeast Asia and the Pacific to address the transmission of bloodborne viruses through contributions to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and through the new Australian Support for Pacific HIV Action Initiative.
Evidence-based harm reduction interventions, such as needle and syringe programs, alongside sustained efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination associated with HIV and drug use, remain essential to effective responses.
Further, our National Centre for Clinical Research on Emerging Drugs continues to evaluate new and emerging interventions for methamphetamine use disorders.
Chair, and Distinguished Delegates
Australia reiterates the importance of ensuring responses to address the world drug situation are evidence informed, respect human rights and gender equality, and consider broader social determinants.
This requires meaningful and sustained engagement with all relevant stakeholders, including civil society organisations and affected communities, throughout the design, implementation, and evaluation phases of drug policies and programs.
There is no conclusive evidence that the death penalty is an effective deterrent for drug-related offences. Australia will continue to call for the abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances for all people, particularly its abolition for drug-related offences which do not meet the threshold of “most serious crimes” under international law.
As we work towards our review in 2029, we must consider our international drug policy commitments, human rights obligations, and commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to be compatible, complementary, and mutually reinforcing. The health, welfare and human rights of all people must be at the forefront.
We look forward to contributing to a productive CND69.