Cocaine detections in workplace drug tests on an upward trend, report finds
The detection of cocaine in workplace drug tests continued to increase in the third quarter of 2026, according to a new report, indicating a concerning upward trend for organisations across Australia.
The Drug Detection Agency's (TDDA) latest Imperans Report showed that cocaine accounted for 9.2% of all positive drug tests at work in the third quarter, up 7.4% year-on-year. This is an increase from the previous 8.00% of tests in the second quarter, and up significantly from the 1.9% recorded in the first quarter of the year.
"What stands out after a full year of reporting is that the rise in cocaine detections is more sustained than we initially expected," TDDA chief executive officer Glenn Dobson told HRD. "We first thought there might be a seasonal element to the increase, but the trend has continued."
New South Wales saw the highest rate of positive cocaine tests in workplaces, with 18.0%. This was followed by:
- South Australia (10.5%)
- Victoria (10.3%)
- Queensland (9.9%)
- Western Australia (2.7%)
South Australia, despite logging the second-highest rate, saw a decline in positive cocaine drug tests in the third quarter, down from 14.9% in the second quarter.
Dobson, however, warned that this is the "wrong direction" for Australian workplaces, saying that the overall upward trend should not be ignored.
"Cocaine can affect judgement, risk perception, and decision-making, creating misplaced confidence at exactly the wrong time. On a construction site, behind the wheel or around machinery, those effects can have serious consequences," Dobson said. "As we move towards the end-of-year period, when workplace functions and social events increase, it is important that organisations remain focused on safety."
Drug detection in Australia
Overall, drug detection in workplace tests carried out by TDDA in the third quarter of 2026 went up to 3.4%, up from 2.98% in the second quarter.
Amphetamine-type stimulants, including methamphetamine, remained the most detected drugs in workplace tests, accounting for 64.8%, up from 59.98% in the second quarter.
"Amphetamine-type stimulants are also being detected at consistently high rates, particularly in Western Australia and South Australia," Dobson said.
Cannabis detection also remained strong, accounting for 40.2% of all positive workplace drug tests, despite falling slightly from 46.38% in the same period last year.
Opioid detections also went down year-on-year, from 15.94% to 12.7%.
Reviewing workplace drug, alcohol policies
TDDA is urging employers across Australia to review their workplace drug and alcohol policies amid an upward trend in detections.
"A drug test gives an employer a result at a point in time. But when you look at testing data over time, you can start to identify patterns that help you make better decisions," Dobson told HRD.
"That might mean changing the focus of employee education, reviewing your testing programme or recognising a risk that wasn't previously on your radar. Employers can use trend information to help prevent problems versus responding when a test comes back positive."
The end of the year is also a good opportunity for employers to review their health and safety systems, according to Dobson.
"A comprehensive drug and alcohol policy should be supported by clear procedures, appropriate testing and education that gives managers and employees the knowledge to recognise and respond to potential risks," he added.
