New Vic Drug Report Says Pill Testing At Music Festivals Will Help Emergency Services Treat Victims

A new inquiry into Victorian drug law reform has handed down the recommendation that pill testing should be introduced at music festivals to alleviate pressure on emergency workers.

As ABC reports, the suggestion was one of 50 recommendations included in the 680-page report released by a state parliamentary committee investigating drug law and regulations in the state.

The recommendation detailed that authorities, not punters, should have access to “back-of-house” pill testing so paramedics can more easily treat festival-goers and alert the public to prevent further incidents.

read more:

• Support Thrown Behind Groovin The Moo To Host Pill Testing Trial
• SPECIAL REPORT: What Exactly Happened With Aussie Fest Spilt Milk's Failed Pill Testing Trial?
• Pill Testing Advocate Suggests Spilt Milk Festival Trial Axed Due To Pressure On Promoter

Reason MP Fiona Patten, who initiated the inquiry, stated that while she welcomes the results she would have "possibly liked it to be bolder."

"Having something at the back of house where emergency workers can find out exactly the substance that has caused harm at that event will start the process for early warning systems and is a very good first step," Patten said.

The report went on to state that there was strong support for pill testing but did not mention that it be readily available to the public, citing the concern that drug checking services could lead to suppliers misusing the information to "promote 'the safety' of their product."

Earlier in the week, Groovin’ The Moo announced that it will host a pill testing trial at its ACT event next month, a move backed by the University of Canberra.

A similar plan was planned for Canberra’s Spilt Milk Festival last year but was axed just weeks out.