Andrews gov’t shuts down fresh calls to launch pill testing trial as dangerous pills circulate

The Andrews government has been slammed for its “punitive, out-of-date and ramshackle” drugs policy as the Premier weighs in on calls for a pill testing trial.

The Andrews government is facing fresh calls to introduce a pill testing trial after dangerous pills were circulated in Melbourne. Picture: Martin Ollman

Premier Daniel Andrews has shut down fresh calls to trial pill testing in Victoria, declaring it won’t ever happen under his leadership.

The Victorian Greens this weekend renewed their push for a trial, blasting the government’s “ramshackle” policy on drugs.

It comes after the health department issued an urgent alert to the community, warning that a batch of orange pills – being sold as popular party drug MDMA – had been circulating across the state and was linked to a number of a cases where people required emergency care.

The pills were found to also contain pentylone, which can cause a lesser psychedelic effect than MDMA prompting people to consume more, and risk overdose.

Mr Andrews said the recent scare didn’t justify a statewide trial.

Festival and party goers have been warned about a batch of orange pills.

“I’ve got no plans to be introducing that. That’s a longstanding position,” he said.

“I’ve been very clear about this longstanding position for 20 years.

“There are no safe levels at which these drugs can be used. No test will make these drugs safe for anybody.”

Mr Andrews said the basic concept of testing pills was flawed.

“The notion of testing, and essentially sending a green light message to people, I don’t support that,” he said.

The Herald Sun last year revealed the new-look Greens outfit will introduce legislation for a two-year pill testing trial.

It would see a mobile service for major music festivals, and a fixed-site that provides more detailed analysis.

Victorian Greens’ drug harm reduction spokesman Aiv Puglielli says current measures are “out-of-date”. Photo: Emma Brasier

Meanwhile, Victorian Greens’ drug harm reduction spokesman Aiv Puglielli said last week it didn’t make sense for the government to issue “public service announcements” on social media but not allow pill testing.

“I’m willing to bet that most people aren’t logging on to Twitter to see what the health department has to say before taking pills at a party or a festival,” he said.

“Victoria’s current approach to drug law remains punitive, out-of-date and ramshackle, and that is putting people at avoidable risk.”

A pill is tested for unknown substances. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Mr Puglielli said drug use needed to be treated as a health issue rather than a criminal offence.

“Popping a pill shouldn’t give you a criminal record or land you in the emergency department,” he said.

“Prohibition is a policy of rejection that harms and criminalises people. Pill testing acknowledges the reality that people do take drugs.”