Yes, certainly compared to many of our Asian neighbours. And I think we're more lenient compared to America and less so than many European and African countries. I don't really know about Africa or South America, so could we discount them from the discussion? Or those who do know something, do pass it on!
We are the top importers of ectasy and amphetaines (spelling?) - party drugs.
Obviously the consequences are not getting through to people, especially younger and more professional people. Whatever they are. They are more willing to pay the price than they would if the laws were stricter.
One problem with the drug laws being stricter is if they deprive people of help they need, like through the Therapuetic Goods Authority. Think of the drugs/medicines which help us with our physical, mental and emotional downturns. What about medical marijuana?
There is a Lebanese Australian man called Tony Mekut (spelling) who is a big drug baron. They are currently chasing him up as he is connected to the Melbourne underworld and he ran a pizza place where I live in the late 1980s.