Medicines, poisons and pest control licences are issued by the Controlled Substances Licensing Section of the Department for Health and Ageing
Regulations under the controlled substances legislation
The regulations under the Controlled Substances legislation specify the substances that are controlled and the details of the controls.
Where can I find out what substances are controlled?
The substances that are controlled include:
- The medicines and poisons listed in Schedules 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 of the Uniform Poisons Standard
- Pesticides, see regulation 3 in the Controlled Substances (Pesticides) Regulations 2003
- The volatile solvents listed in regulation 8 in the Controlled Substances (Poisons) Regulations 2011
- Section 17A, 17B and 17C precursors, see regulation 16 in the Controlled Substances (Poisons) Regulations 2011
- The drugs, precursor chemicals and plants listed in the Schedules in the Controlled Substances (Controlled Drugs, Precursors and Plants) Regulations 2014.
What are the controls under the Controlled Substances legislation?
The controls include:
- only specified health practitioners are able to prescribe and supply prescription medicines such as antibiotics, strong pain killers and birth control pills
- medical practitioners, nurse practitioners and dentists must hold an authority to prescribe or supply drugs of dependence (strong pain killers such as morphine) in specified circumstances
- only people who hold a licence or permit may make, sell, supply or use some controlled substances
- there are labelling, packaging and storage requirements to help ensure safe use
- the sale of some dangerous poisons is restricted
- only people who have appropriate training can apply pesticides for fee or reward (for example, when working in a pest control business).