Amnesty Bins For Drugs To Be Rolled Out At Upcoming NSW Festivals

11 December 2019 | 12:45 pm | Staff Writer

"We're doing everything we can to keep those festivals safe."

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has today announced that amnesty bins will be available at music festivals this month following recommendations by the state coroner to introduce pill testing.

As 9News reports, the amnesty bins will be introduced at festivals across the state from 28 December.

"We believe amnesty bins are a good way to increase safety so young people, if they see police don't panic and have the opportunity without questions asked to throw those pills in the bin," Berejiklian said.

Berejiklian, who has consistently rejected calls for pill testing, has again urged festival-goers to not consume illicit substances. 

"Don't take those pills, that's the strongest message we can take to everybody," she said.

"We're doing everything we can to keep those festivals safe. There is an element of personal responsibility."

Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter

The news comes a day after an independent evaluation into the pill testing trial which took place at Groovin The Moo festival earlier this year found it to be success.

"This particular service was run really well and it provided good quality information and it was really well received by people who used it, as well as stakeholders in the Canberra community," Dr Anna Olsen said on Tuesday.