Queensland Becomes First Australian State to Introduce Pill Testing

Queensland will become the first Australian state to green-light pill testing in a bid to curb the harmful effects of illicit drugs. Following successful trials at Canberra music festivals, the service will be rolled out at mobile and fixed sites. 

According to a government press release, the pill-testing service will allow users to test their drugs for potentially dangerous substances. 

While the service doesn’t interfere with drug possession, supply and trafficking, it aims to reduce harm risk. Health minister Yvette D’Ath said that Queensland’s pill testing is about “harm minimisation” and informing people on potentially dangerous drugs. 

“Drug testers can also influence a drug taker’s behaviour, making them more likely to dispose of substances, decrease the amount they take, tell their peers and be more likely to seek help if they or others are experiencing adverse effects.”

The drug-checking move comes after two trials PTA (Pill Testing Australia) trials at Groovin’ the Moo festival in 2018 and 2019. According to the service, PTA saved seven lives from drugs containing a dangerous N-ethyl substance. 

Last year, the drug-testing service at Canberra’s Spilt Milk Festival had to turn away 27 festival-goers due to long queues.