Premier yet to rule out Schoolies drug testing services

Schoolies is looming but plans around pill testing are yet to be finalised.

Schoolies celebrating at a Silent Disco in Surfers Paradise.

Schoolies could still get access to pill testing services under the new government, after Premier David Crisafulli revealed he would seek advice before banning the service three weeks out from the major end of year event.

Thousands of Year 12s will descend on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts in November for the inaugural Schoolies celebrations.

Despite strong support from both senior police and health experts, Mr Crisafulli won’t back away from his plans to repeal recently introduced laws that allows Queenslanders three chances when found with small amounts of heroin, cocaine or ice before criminal charges are laid.

It would mean pill testing services at the Gold Coast party precinct Surfers Paradise where Schoolies is held, would also be shut down.

Police officers watch over the Schoolies week celebrations in Surfers Paradise.

“I don’t believe in rolling out the welcome mat for drug use,” Mr Crisafulli said.

The Australian Medical Association of Queensland this week urged against the decision, with president Dr Nick Yim stating pill testing led to greater community safety, and saved lives.

“We have consulted with doctors, police and legal experts and I think this is something that will improve safety for our community, our young children and young adults, and especially at events such as Schoolies,” he said.

“These people have already purchased the medication, they’ve already got the tablets, so they have an intention to use.

“These drugs are becoming more sophisticated with more synthetic drugs, and we are seeing, unfortunately, people entering our emergency departments with overdoses.

“These simple life saving services like pill testing do keep our community safe.”

Premier David Crisafulli. Picture: Lachie Millard

While he maintained his position against pill testing on Tuesday, the Premier said he would be seeking further advice before ruling out the service at this years’ Schoolies.

“We’ve said that we don’t support pill testing, and I’m not walking away from that,” he said.

“Schoolies, which is in three weeks time … I’ve asked for some advice about any changes.

“I know the position of the AMA, we’ve got a really good relationship with them, and I respect them immensely, and I’m taking some advice about that right now.”