Former Cop Urges Groovin The Moo To Trial Pill Testing: 'There's Little To Be Lost Or Risk'

After University of Canberra welcomed the proposed trial.

A former police officer has written to Groovin The Moo promoters urging them to trial pill testing at next month's festivals.

As ABC reports, former Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Palmer, who was instrumental in the Howard Government's "tough on drugs" policy in the '90s, wrote to promoters after the University of Canberra welcomed a trial at the ACT leg of the festival.

"I am delighted to see the progress being made towards improving the safety of attendees at the festivals and similar events through supporting drug pill testing in the ACT," Palmer wrote.

"I sincerely hope that as promoters you allow a trial to proceed.

"There's so little to be lost or risk, if anything, by trying the process."

Meanwhile, Matt Noffs, spokesman for Ted Noffs Foundation (which works with disadvantaged young Australians), said Groovin The Moo has the opportunity to make real change.

"There's a lot at stake," Noffs said.

"We've got this window of opportunity and it really is do or die.

"The question we're all asking now is 'why are we waiting?'"

Promoters of Groovin The Moo, Cattleyard Promotions responded to The Music about the discussions in a statement, saying, "Cattleyard Promotions is currently participating in consultation with all stakeholders".

This year's Groovin The Moo festival will include sets from the likes of Royal Blood, Paul Kelly, Alex Lahey, The Amity Affliction and more; click on theGuide for more details.

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