Page 5463 - Week 14 - Thursday, 30 November 2017
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These actions reaffirm just some of the government’s commitment to preventing and minimising the harms arising from drug use in our community. Support for pill testing is just one aspect of this approach. I anticipate that the government may well receive another proposal for a pill testing trial in the ACT in the future. The government would consider such a proposal at that time. We are in a unique position to minimise harm and prevent drug-related deaths in our community and we will continue to pursue evidence-based interventions in support of this objective.
Mr Hanson spoke at length about evidence, and I do note the comments by the federal AMA president on the day. I was asked to respond to those in a media interview. I note that he said, “With the greatest of respect, we need evidence.” Well, how do you gather evidence if you do not try something? I also note that the ACT AMA said:
AMA (ACT) President, Prof Steve Robson, today welcomed the ACT Government’s announcement giving permission for pill testing at the Spilt Milk Festival in November.
“AMA (ACT) supports a harm minimisation approach to the use of illicit substances. On this basis and with the right safeguards, we welcome pill testing at Spilt Milk.”
“The AMA (ACT) has previously been briefed on the proposed arrangements for pill testing in the ACT and the safeguards and processes to be used and they seem sensible and workable,” Prof Robson said.
“It’s a fine line between encouraging the use of illicit substances and doing what we reasonably can to keep people safe but I think pill testing, under the arrangements proposed for Spilt Milk, successfully walks that line.” Prof Robson added.
“As we understand it, permission has been given for testing at one event. We would like to see feedback on both the process of and outcomes from testing undertaken at Spilt Milk to gauge its effectiveness.”
“To gauge its effectiveness”—to gather the evidence. All the examples Mr Hanson gave of evidence were that there was no evidence that it works. Again, how can anything new be trialled to add to a body of evidence without giving it a go?
I also note significant support on the day from the chair of the Capital Health Network in the ACT and from the highly regarded Dr David Caldicott, who works tirelessly in an emergency department in the ACT and sees this firsthand. If Mr Hanson wants to quote medical experts, perhaps he and the opposition should listen to the evidence and be present—
Opposition members interjecting—
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Ms Lee): Mrs Dunne.
MS FITZHARRIS: in emergency departments when people present with overdoses.
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