Allan had refused to budge on trialling a drug-checking service,despitefour coroners in six years recommending the move,and last week said people needed to take personal responsibility for their safety. But she softened her language on Tuesday while repeating that she had no plans to change policy.
“There are no current plans to change the policy setting on drug checking. However,I am seeking further advice from the health department about what we’re seeing over the summer period,” Allan said on ABC Melbourne radio.
“There is a lot of expert advice that’s already in this space,and I will acknowledge,too,there’s also reports from coroners’ processes previously. So I think it’s important to examine that evidence and advice.
“I also need to have further conversations with colleagues,ministerial colleagues who have the policy responsibility for this area. So I do want to get that advice,have those discussions.”
Allan repeatedly refused to rule pill testing in or out,and said the government would seek health advice in the context of a harm-minimisation approach. The government could make no change or pursue other measures,such as an improved alert system.
One minister,speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters,said they believed the premier already privately supported a trial and that police would be the main opposition to pill testing.