Jacinta Allan says Victoria’s pill testing trial is about “saving lives” and “keeping young people safe”.
On Monday, the Victorian Premier announced pill testing will be trialled in Victoria during the festival season this summer. Further details were then provided on the rollout on Tuesday morning.
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The implementation trial will run for up to 18 months and include both mobile and fixed site testing services.
An implementational trial means different models of delivery will be tested throughout the period to eventually determine what services will be in place permanently.
Up to 10 music festival sites will have the service in attendance, while a fixed-site to be located in an inner Melbourne area close to nightlife and transport will open in mid-2025.
Most make-ups of pills, capsules, powders, crystals and liquids can be tested at the services. This will identify any harmful chemicals which could lead to death.
Amendments to the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 will allow the trial to be introduced along with protections for the services, staff, and users of the service.
Nobody would be breaking the law by operating or using the testing service.
The possession and supply of illicit drugs will not be decriminalised outside the service. Police powers outside the drug checking service will remain the same.
“Soon enough my own kids will be heading off to music festivals and parties with their mates, and like all parents, sometimes I catch myself thinking…what if the worst happens? What if they don’t come home?” Ms Allan said
“I don’t condone drugs, but if a young person gets handed a pill at a festival, they need someone to tell them exactly what it is and exactly what it does, without telling them that it’s safe.”
More information about the trial can be found here.