AMAQ urges LNP against scrapping pill testing at Schoolies

The Australian Medical Association has urged the LNP to keep pill testing at Schoolies next month amid warnings a super-potent synthetic opioid has been detected in the state. HAVE YOUR SAY

Police officers watch over the Schoolies week celebrations at Surfers Paradise. Picture: File

Doctors have urged an elected LNP not to forge ahead with plans to scrap pill testing at Schoolies next month amid warnings a super-potent synthetic opioid has been detected in the state.

The LNP previously warned it would scrap a testing tent planned for the Surfers Paradise entertainment precinct but medical experts have warned against the move.

“From our perspective if people are choosing to take unknown substances the pill testing is a good opportunity to have that substance tested,” AMAQ president Nick Yim said.

“But at the same time, those facilities create a conversation with that young individual.

“Doctors see first-hand the grief and devastation caused when families lose loved ones through drug use. It is particularly distressing when such poisonings and deaths are preventable.”

AMAQ president Nick Yim. Picture: Josh Woning

CanKet — also known as 2F-NENDCK — has been detected in Queensland by the government’s CheQpoint testing system.

It is an illegally produced analogue of ketamine, which can leave people dissociated and unable to move.

In extreme cases, or when mixed with other drugs, overdose could lead to death.

The LNP has consistently said they do not support Labor’s “soft approach” to drugs and the party does not support pill testing at any event.

“There is no safe way to take drugs and pill testing sends the wrong message,” an LNP spokeswoman said.

Health minister Shannon Fentiman slammed the Opposition’s plans to scrap the testing facility if it wins government on Saturday.

“It is so dangerous that the LNP wants to wind back pill testing - a service that we know saves lives,” she said.

Premier Steven Miles slammed the LNP’s plans. Picture: Adam Head

“With Schoolies next month I am really worried about the harm drugs like CanKet could cause.”

CheQpoint data released last month shows that 16 per cent of people presenting at a pill testing site threw away their drugs or said they would while 50 per cent sought advice on how to keep themselves safe.

Recent data from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey showed that for the first time since national records began, young women are taking illicit drugs at the same rate as young men.

The same survey found that more than one third of young women have taken an illicit drug in the last 12 months, up from 27 per cent in 2019.

The pill testing program was rolled out in March this year for the first time at a multi-day music festival the Rabbits Eat Lettuce Festival where hundreds had pills tested.