Critics of pill testing fear it will create a false sense of security that leads to more people taking more drugs. But the evidence says otherwise.
Legislation to allow a pill-testing trial will be introduced to Victorian parliament on Tuesday. The government wants the first mobile sites up and running for the summer festival season.
Pill testing could make attendance at music festivals and events much safer – but it could dramatically increase the financial risk borne by festivals.
The proposed 12-month trial would likely include mobile teams at music festivals,where patrons could have their illicit drugs tested and receive harm reduction advice.
Following festival overdoses,left-wing crossbenchers are stepping up pressure on the state government over drug checking.
This week,the premier signalled a broadening to her outlook when she hinted the state’s long-standing opposition to pill testing may finally be up for debate.
The Parliamentary Budget Office estimates Victoria spends up to $3.9 million a year on MDMA-related overdoses in ambulances,emergency departments and coronial inquiries.
Most of the 64 deaths that occurred at Australian music festivals between 2000 and 2019 involved very high levels of MDMA,in a finding researchers say bolsters the case for pill testing.
Victoria Police will use sniffer dogs and boost their presence at a hip-hop festival this weekend,and Premier Jacinta Allan says she has no plans to trial pill testing.
Some patients have been discharged after nine partygoers were hospitalised in a critical condition after the first Hardmission Festival held in Australia on Saturday.
Fights with NIMBYs over housing density,union pay demands,and the Rozelle Interchange are all waiting for Premier Chris Minns when he returns to work.