Since the early 1900s, Australias drug policies have been based on the notion that the law should be the primary mechanism for addressing drug problems. By prohibiting both the supply and use of certain undesirable drugs, governments thought they could stamp out drug use and drug-related activities. But drug markets have proved remarkably resistant to legal pressure. The Council of Australian Governments should ensure prevention and treatment are placed at the centre of Australia’s drug strategies. Until they do, drugs like ice will continue to extract a terrible price from society.