Cate Faehrmann to introduce pill testing bill next week following Coroner's findings
Greens MP and Drug Law Reform and Harm Reduction spokesperson Cate Faehrmann has called on the Premier to commit to a pill testing trial over the coming summer following Coroner Harriet Grahame’s findings arising from the Inquest into Festival Deaths.
Cate Faehrmann will hold a press conference to discuss the Coroner’s findings today at 1pm at the back of NSW Parliament, Hospital Road Sydney.
“The Coroner couldn’t have been clearer today in saying she is in no doubt whatsoever that there is evidence to support a pill testing trial. The ball is now in the Premier’s court if she is serious about saving lives this summer,” Ms Faehrmann said.
“Over the last few months we’ve continued to hear from legal and health experts that it’s time to adopt a health approach to drug use instead of a criminal one. Unfortunately the Premier has continued to pursue her zero-tolerance approach to drugs while refusing to listen to the mounting evidence of the harm it is causing.
“This Inquest was established to investigate the reasons why six young people tragically died at music festivals in NSW last summer. The Coroner has now presented her findings and is urging the Government to adopt a new approach to drug use to stop more deaths.
“The Premier needs to seriously reflect on the Coroner’s findings and ask herself whether her government is more intent on stopping drug use than on stopping drug deaths.
“Just Say No isn’t working and has never worked. With the festival season upon us, it’s time to put politics aside for the sake of saving lives and support pill testing,” said Ms Faehrmann.
Contact: Ben Cronly 0487 247 960