A new report detailing a pill testing trial conducted at Groovin The Moo in Canberra this past April has been released today.
As noted after the event, which saw sets from Billie Eilish and Hilltop Hoods, over 230 punters took part in the trial and 170 substances were tested.
Pill Testing Australia has confirmed seven deadly substances containing N-ethyl pentylone were identified and upon learning the dangers of the substance, all participants used the amnesty bin to discard the drugs.
“Pill testing services offer a unique and efficacious opportunity to engage with young people and effect positive behavioural change to reduce the risk of drug-related harm. This cohort is unlikely to have ever had contact with health services in relation to their drug use.” Emergency Medicine Consultant Dr David Caldicott said.
“There is no doubt among experts and health industry bodies that providing a pill testing service which includes face to face interactions for patrons with health and medical professionals significantly reduces harm and the consumption of dangerous illicit drugs.
“With two pill testing pilots conducted in Australia having provided the data that supports this theory the onus really is on those who oppose pill testing to provide more than empty rhetoric to support their position.”
Read the full report here.
The findings come just weeks after the Victorian Greens called for the state to introduce pill testing which, if successful, could be launched early next year.
The policy includes both a mobile pill testing facility and a fixed-site laboratory for more detailed analysis with both facilities licensed for two years with the potential for a four-year extension following review. The data collected would allow health alerts to be issued in the instance of lethal drugs.
Drug law reform spokesperson for the Victorian Greens and Greens MP for Brunswick, Dr Tim Read, stressed that the culture of drug use in Australia had to change.
“We need to change the culture of drug use in Australia, and the first step is treating drug use as a health issue," he said.
“There is over 20 years of evidence that shows pill testing reduces overdoses and protects people from the harm of illicit drug use.
“We know that most people choose to throw out their drugs when informed that they contain harmful substances.
“Prohibition is a policy of rejection and of saying we don’t care about drug users. Pill testing shows we take their health seriously.
"We must acknowledge the current approach is resulting in unintended consequences and instead choose policies that have worked elsewhere. It’s time to get over the stigma and just test the pills.”
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