Greens MP and spokesperson for Drug Law Reform and Harm Reduction Cate Faehrmann has given notice today to introduce a bill that would allow pill testing at music festivals and at fixed sites in the community. Service providers would also be required to provide drug counselling to those who use the service.
“This bill will provide pill testing and drug counselling services in an effort to save lives. This is exactly what an increasing number of experts are urging the Berejiklian Government to do before the summer festival season begins,” said Ms Faehrmann.
“I know the Premier likes to think that ‘just say no’ when it comes to drugs works, but it doesn’t and it never will. So it’s up to decision makers to put in place measures to reduce any harm associated with taking illegal drugs.
“Pill testing has been a success in the ACT were there have been no deaths at music festivals where pill testing has been provided and drugs with unsafe substances have been thrown away.
“Heavy-handed policing is not going to keep young people at music festivals safe this summer. Pill testing works and it’s time the Premier had the courage to acknowledge that. If they won’t act before this summer, then I’m hoping the Parliament will,” said Ms Faehrmann.
- Organisations will able to apply for a licence to conduct pill testing services either at a mobile site (music festivals and other events) or at a fixed site in the community.
- Licence applications will be determined by the secretary of the health department.
- Drug counselling will be provided as part of any pill testing service, counselling will be tailored for each individual based on the substances present in the pill they have brought in.
- A review of the effectiveness of the pill testing trial will be undertaken after 2 years.
Contact: Jacob Miller, 0428 837 292
