Premier Jacinta Allan is supporting a proposed pill-testing trial in Victoria, highlighting its potential to prevent tragic drug overdoses at music festivals.
The Victorian Department of Health is examining options for a trial, with a proposal expected to be reviewed by the cabinet soon.
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The trial would feature mobile teams at festivals, allowing attendees to test illicit drugs for potency and contaminants, and receive advice on safer drug use.
Premier Allan said: “As a parent, the horror of your son or daughter heading off with friends to have a good time, to go to a festival, and then to not come home is just unimaginable.”
Although her stance marks a shift from former Premier Daniel Andrews, who opposed pill testing on the grounds of drug safety, Ms Allan remains cautious about pre-empting cabinet discussions.
“And that’s why, as both a parent and Premier, my focus is always on looking at ways that we can support young people to be safe and to protect young people.”
The Victorian Coalition has consistently opposed pill testing, advocating instead for increased counselling and addiction referrals for young people.
Despite opposition, seven coronial inquests in Victoria have called for pill testing, and advocates argue it can reduce the consumption of potentially lethal drugs.
Dr David Caldicott from Pill Testing Australia told The Age that festival-goers often change their behaviour after receiving expert advice on drug risks.
“If a young person is told by a doctor – who they know knows a lot about drugs – that they could come to a lot of harm from using that drug, people often choose the option of having a great time while abandoning the drug they’ve been warned not to take.”
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