The Victorian Greens are making a push to launch a two-year pill testing trial in the state which would include the introduction of a "mobile pill testing facility for festivals and a fixed-site laboratory for more detailed analysis".
An exclusive PBO costing obtained by the Greens found that the operating and staffing costs for pill testing services would cost $1.3 million, while the testing equipment and establishment of the sites would equate to $1.2 million.
“Everyone deserves to enjoy music festivals safely but Victoria’s out-of-date and punitive drug laws are putting those who enjoy festivals at risk," Victorian Greens Spokesperson for Health, Dr Tim Read, said in a statement released today.
“Pill testing reduces harmful drug use and connects young people to harm reduction services.
“There is 20 years of evidence from the UK, Europe, North America, and two successful trials in Canberra that clearly shows pill testing protects young people – the NSW Coroner is even expected to officially recommend it."
The news comes after NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian again reiterated her Government's stance against pill testing, despite a leaked draft report from the State Coroner (to be delivered in full on 8 November) which recommends the introduction of testing at music festivals across the state.
“It’s surprising Victoria’s Labor Government is as fixed as the NSW Liberal Government in rejecting the evidence in favour of pill testing," Read said.
“We’ve got the research to back pill testing and now we know it’s affordable, so there’s no reason for the Government to continue dragging its feet.
“Let’s make pill testing in Victoria a reality by 2020.”
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