Greens calls for pill testing sites in Queensland’s busiest nightlife precincts

Pill testing sites could soon be coming to Queensland’s nightlife precincts like Fortitude Valley under a Greens push. VOTE IN OUR POLL

Pill testing sites could be set up in Queensland’s busiest nightlife precincts under a Greens push to get the controversial drug safety program into the state.

Greens MP Michael Berkman said he wanted to see the state government throw their support and funding behind a “comprehensive pill testing trial” in Queensland, adding it was a health service that should be government-funded.

“(Then) we can move towards permanent pill testing facilities, whether those are around alcohol and other drug services, safe night precincts and at temporary locations in festivals across the state,” he said.

“My understanding is that really good progress is being made by the sector towards having field testing ready to roll out in the coming year.

“I do have my concerns that the government’s effectively vacated the field here, and they’re really just leaving it to the private sector to do this work.

“Which is a shame because we know that pill testing saves lives, we know that it’s an integral part of any well-rounded response to alcohol and other drugs, and the risks they carry.”

There are currently more than a dozen safe night precincts across Queensland, including in locations such as Fortitude Valley, Surfers Paradise, and Airlie Beach.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath told parliament on Wednesday the benefits of pill testing had “certainly been identified”, and any decision would be based on evidence.

“There are small trials going on in other places around the country,” she said,

“We have to work through these issues and what we do very carefully. We will give this proper consideration.

“We will ensure that we look not just nationally but internationally to determine best practice in relation to this.”

The Greens are pushing for pill testing sites in Queensland’s busiest nightlife precincts. Picture: Martin Ollman

Last week the Queensland Network of Alcohol and Other Drug Agencies said the government should consider prioritising introducing pill testing before the busy summer festival season.

The country’s first fixed-site pill testing clinic opened in the ACT last month.

Ms D’Ath said the mental health implications of such a program were a key consideration for the government in considering whether to introduce pill testing in the state,

“We cannot talk about mental health without talking about investment in drug and alcohol services,” she said.

“I know that (Mr Berkman) is not the only person who is passionate about this issue and understands the importance of getting this right.

“When looking at drug testing we have to consider whether it is in the best interests of individuals and festival-goers and lead to fewer deaths, fewer injuries and less drug use. These are all the things that we are working through at the moment.”