Dark Mofo Creative Director Leigh Carmichael has called for pill testing to be allowed at all Tasmanian music festivals.
"We know drug use happens, particularly in environments like music festivals, so we must do what we can to reduce the risk of harm or death," said Carmichael in a statement.
The calls come just months after two people passed away from suspected drug overdoses at Sydney's Defqon. 1 festival, reigniting the conversation around pill testing.
Dark Mofo, which is Mona Hobart's winter festival, is set to make its return in June next year.
Read the full statement below.
“We urge all political parties to stop playing politics with young Tasmanian lives."
“Everyone wants to see a reduction in the use of illegal drugs. We know drug use happens, particularly in environments like music festivals, so we must do what we can to reduce the risk of harm or death.
“We do not condone or seek to normalise illicit drug use, and we don’t wish to undermine the important work of Tasmania Police.
“Whether it’s through legislation, or in a pilot trial like the ACT government supported earlier this year, pill testing is a harm minimisation approach that must be adopted urgently.
“We have a duty of care to our audience, and saving lives is more important than any political game around this issue.”
