❓ WA Parliamentary Question on Notice regarding student drug incidents in public schools from 2021-22 to 2024-25. Data on drug possession and use is provided from Term 3 2022, but suspension/expulsion and alternative disciplinary measures data are not centrally collated.
AnsweredQoN 507Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to student drug incidents in Western Australian schools, and I ask: (a) for each of the financial years from 2021-22 to 2024-25: (i) how many incidents of drug possession were recorded in public schools; (ii) how many incidents of drug use were recorded in public schools; (iii) how many students were suspended or expelled due to drug-related incidents; and (iv) how many students received, alternative to (iii), disciplinary measures for drug related incidents?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
23 October 2025
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Minister for Education
Response time
12 days
In some instances, such as those involving illegal substances or violence, reporting to the police may be required. It is the responsibility of the principal to report relevant matters to the police.
(a)(i)
Financial Year
Reported incidents of student possession of illegal drugs
2021-22
N/A
2022-23
77
2023-24
71
2024-25
51
Notes:
1. Data are not available prior to Term 3, 2022.
2. Includes illegal drugs such as marijuana, cannabis, dexamphetamine, unauthorised prescription medicines,etc
3. Excludes vapes, cigarettes, nicotine, general pain medications and alcohol.
4. A student can be reported as being in possession of an illegal drug and under the influence.
a)(ii)
Financial Year
Reported incidents of student use of illegal drug
2021-22
N/A
2022-23
40
2023-24
45
2024-25
37
Notes:
1. Data are not available prior to Term 3, 2022.
2. Includes illegal drugs such as marijuana, cannabis, dexamphetamine, unauthorised prescription medicines,etc
3. Excludes vapes, cigarettes, nicotine, general pain medications and alcohol.
4. A student can be reported as being in possession of an illegal drug and under the influence.
(a)(iii) The Department does not collate this information by financial year.
(a)(iv)The Department does not collect this level of information centrally.
(a)(i)
Financial Year
Reported incidents of student possession of illegal drugs
2021-22
N/A
2022-23
77
2023-24
71
2024-25
51
Notes:
1. Data are not available prior to Term 3, 2022.
2. Includes illegal drugs such as marijuana, cannabis, dexamphetamine, unauthorised prescription medicines,etc
3. Excludes vapes, cigarettes, nicotine, general pain medications and alcohol.
4. A student can be reported as being in possession of an illegal drug and under the influence.
a)(ii)
Financial Year
Reported incidents of student use of illegal drug
2021-22
N/A
2022-23
40
2023-24
45
2024-25
37
Notes:
1. Data are not available prior to Term 3, 2022.
2. Includes illegal drugs such as marijuana, cannabis, dexamphetamine, unauthorised prescription medicines,etc
3. Excludes vapes, cigarettes, nicotine, general pain medications and alcohol.
4. A student can be reported as being in possession of an illegal drug and under the influence.
(a)(iii) The Department does not collate this information by financial year.
(a)(iv)The Department does not collect this level of information centrally.
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