NSW premier tells his ministers to avoid making commentary on pill testing

“It’s complicated,” says NSW premier as he takes a swipe at one of his ministers, suggesting they refrain from making “running commentary” on drug reform.

NSW ministers have been warned not to go off script after Premier Chris Minns suggested on Monday he will rein in his front bench from engaging in “running commentary” around drug reform.

Youth and homelessness minister Rose Jackson voiced her support for pill testing at music festivals, telling an international conference in Melbourne last week she urges her Labor colleagues to “join the nationwide movement” towards testing.

Ms Jackson said at the time that NSW was lagging behind other states in drug reform and supported a pill testing trial.

In a dig at the minister’s comments, Minns said pill testing was not a priority of the government and that any reform would be made by the cabinet.

“I’m not going to have a running commentary and I’m going to talk to my ministers about ensuring they do the same,” Minns told 2GB’s Ben Fordham.

Youth and homelessness minister Rose Jackson broke ranks with the government announcing her support for pill testing.

“The lead minister in relation to these areas is Ryan Park, the Minister Health, and I want to make it clear that will be how government decisions are made.”

The Premier said issues such as pill testing and the legalisation of marijuana will be discussed at the upcoming drug summit, although Labor has yet to announce when it might take place.

“(Pill testing) is a complicated issue,” Mr Minns said.

“We need to get experts around the table but we’ve got many issues on the agenda, not the least of which is cost of living and the effect on the health system and they’ve got to be our priority in the opening days of government.”

Industrial relations Minister Sophie Cotsis said the Premier hadn’t talked with MPs to prevent them sharing their personal views on pill testing.

“As Premier Chris Minns stated this morning … all policy decisions are deliberated and go through the cabinet process,” she said.

It came as new Liberal leader Mark Speakman signalled his party could take a softer stance on drug reforms compared to its predecessor.

Last year as attorney general Mr Speakman supported a move to allow illicit drug users up to two infringements before they had to face court.

“Well, our government was opposed to pill testing because the government thought it sent the wrong message. But I personally … I’ve been open to significant reform in the drug … space,” he said.

“That’s why we agreed in principle to have an infringement notice scheme which on the one hand, sent an anti-drugs message … but on the other hand, diverted users from the criminal justice system because at the end of the day, illicit drug use is a health problem, and the best way to solve it is to give people appropriate health intervention.”

Rose Jackson was approached for comment.