Dodgy ecstasy tablets are believed to have been the cause of several drug-related deaths at Australian music festivals last year.
THE case for pill testing is gaining momentum with the organisers of one of Australia’s largest music festivals throwing its support behind its introduction.
Totem OneLove, the company that runs nationwide electronic dance music festival Stereosonic, said in a statement they firmly backed any program that would minimise harm and limit drug use.
“In principle pill testing would have our full support as long as all the key stakeholders sanctioned the initiative to ensure its effectiveness,” the statement said.
Stereosonic made headlines late last year after two people died from drug-related causes at its Sydney and Adelaide events, despite a large police presence conducting searches and patrolling sniffer dogs. A dodgy batch of pills is believed to be the cause.
Sylvia Choi, 25, died at Stereosonic Sydney.Source:Supplied
Stefan Woodward, 19, died at Steresonic Adelaide.Source:Supplied
“We would strongly support any policies or initiatives that would minimise harm, reduce drug use and make events a safer environment for patrons,” the statement continued.
Unfortunately drug use is an issue effecting (sic) all Australians and is not limited to events.”
This announcement from Stereosonic comes as calls led by drug experts and health professionals to begin trialling pill testing pick up pace, despite fierce opposition from government authorities.
Australian Drug Law Reform Foundation president Dr Alex Wodak has vowed to roll out a pilot at major Australian music festivals even if it meant breaking the law.
Dr Wodak announced he would fundraise $100,000 for a trial he said would save young lives and reduce dangerous substances found in illicit drugs.
Stereosonic is on-board with investigating pill testing at its events.Source:Supplied
He planned to set up a stand at events, starting in NSW, with a machine that tests the content of pills and powders and reports to the user whether it contained life-threatening elements.
“It’s not ridiculous, we’re testing the drugs and people can make informed choices,” he said.
“It’s keeping people alive.”
Dr Wodak said it wouldn’t be too difficult to sign up festival organisers because it would make their events safer and he would move the trial in other states if needed.
An online petition, started by the mother of Daniel Buccianti who died at Rainbow Serpent Festival in 2012, that calls for pill testing at Australian festivals to be established has so far attracted nearly 40,000 signatures.
Victoria’s Rainbow Serpent Festival has also previously backed exploring a pill testing program in collaboration with emergency services and health providers.
“We need some progressive and brave politicians who recognise the current approach isn’t working and can communicate the benefits of changing strategies,” event director Tim Harvey said.
Dr Alex Wodak is determined to start trialling pill testing stands at Australian music festivals.Source:News Corp Australia
“We don’t believe current practices such as sniffer dogs and strip searches will solve this complex problem.”
NSW Premier Mike Baird said pill testing was ridiculous and likened it to supporting illegal drug dealers.
“There is a very safe way to go about pills and that is, don’t take them,” Mr Baird said.
Victoria’s Mental Health Minister Martin Foley said there were no plans for pill testing, while Federal Health Minister Sussan Ley said she wasn’t convinced by the proposal.
“I know it’s a very strong debate but my approach at the moment is to be guided by what our police forces are telling us,” Ms Ley said.
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