Page 1812 - Week 05 - Thursday, 10 May 2018
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
important that we tackle this with a range of initiatives, recognising that there is no single silver bullet.
Pill testing is one important tool in this endeavour. I want to congratulate the Minister for Health and Wellbeing on her leadership on the issue and also acknowledge the many members of the Labor Party, both here and across Australia, who have advocated for and worked to bring about pill testing. I thank Mr Rattenbury for his efforts as well.
I am also proud that the trial of pill testing has happened for the first time at a music festival here in Canberra. I want to thank the safety testing and advisory service at festivals and events, STA-SAFE, for their leadership and determination to bring about this trial of pill testing.
This trial was supported by the ACT government as well as the University of Canberra and the promoters, Cattleyard Promotions. I am told that the report is being prepared by STA-SAFE into the trial but I understand that at least two potentially lethal chemicals were identified in the 85 tests that were performed. I am also informed that following testing, a number of patrons used the amnesty bins to discard their pills instead of consuming them.
Pill testing is harm minimisation intervention that includes the chemical analysis of a sample of drugs surrendered by festival patrons and the provision of relevant drug information counselling by qualified personnel. The service was provided by appropriately qualified and trained staff co-located with the medical and first-aid facilities at the festival. An evaluation of the trial is currently underway, with results to be released in the near future.
The ACT government reinforces that it is illegal to manufacture, process, distribute and sell illicit drugs in the ACT. The ACT government does not approve or condone illicit drug use. It is risky and dangerous to consume illicit drugs. Madam Assistant Speaker, it is reckless. The use of illicit drugs is a national challenge and requires a holistic approach broader than just a police response.
I also acknowledge the work of ACT Policing and the leadership shown by them, particularly by the Chief Police Officer. ACT Policing work closely and in a constructive manner with ACT Health and other stakeholders in respect of harm minimisation strategies for illicit drug use and supported the decision to provide an accommodating environment to allow for pill testing at Groovin the Moo.
I am advised that in relation to the trial of pill testing, in accordance with established protocols with ACT Health, ACT Policing did not actively target the health precinct in regard to those utilising the pill testing service; nor did ACT Policing receive any personal information about those attending the health precinct. The Chief Police Officer said:
Our intention was to focus our efforts on those who were trafficking and selling drugs, focusing on the criminality of drugs but allowing the pill testing to occur in a safe way.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video