Canberra to offer free pill testing at Australia’s first government-run drug-testing site

Free pill testing is set to be offered in the nation’s capital at Australia’s first government-run drug-testing site.

Drug users in the nation’s capital will be offered free pill testing in the CBD at Australia’s first government-run drug-testing site.

As Canberra prepares to decriminalise small amounts of cocaine, heroin and MDMA, the new pill testing site will open its doors this Thursday.

The six-month pilot program offering pill testing will operate two days a week in the lead-up to the weekend and will also offer sexual and mental health consultations with nurses.

The process will take around 15 minutes to test the pills. If they are found to include potentially dangerous substances, the drugs will not be confiscated but users will be offered the opportunity to relinquish the drugs.

ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the new program will commence on January 21.

“We know the safest option is not to take drugs and this will always be our advice to the community,’’ she said.

Canberra is preparing to decriminalise small amounts of cocaine, heroin and MDMA. Picture: iStock

“However we recognise some people will choose to use drugs and there is a need for initiatives that reduce the harms associated with drug use.

“This Australian-first program will help people who use drugs better understand or avoid unknown and potentially dangerous substances in illicit drugs.”

Directions Health Services will run the CanTEST Health and Drug Checking Service in partnership with Pill Testing Australia and Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy.

The site will be open from July 21 on Thursdays from 10am to 1pm and Fridays from 6pm to 9pm.

The long-awaited drug testing pilot follows government-sanctioned pop-up pill testing at the Groovin’ The Moo music festival in 2018 and 2019.

In 2019, the pop-up facility tested 171 substances and found seven contained the potentially deadly n-ethylpentylone.

The majority of the drug users who discovered the pills included potentially deadly chemicals agreed to dispose of the drugs in the amnesty bins provided.

ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith says decriminalising hard drugs does not endorse drug use. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

The ACT is on track to becoming the first jurisdiction in Australia to decriminalise small amounts of commonly used illicit drugs, such as ice, heroin, cocaine and speed.

Under the proposed reforms, people found with amounts considered to be “personal possession” – smaller than trafficable quantities – would be subject to fines rather than criminal charges.

Two years ago, the ACT decriminalised the personal use of cannabis.

Ms Stephen-Smith said the ACT would continue to target drug dealers and suppliers.

“This legislation is part of our broader suite of policies developed in partnership with experts, people with lived experience and our alcohol and other drug sector to support those most in need to get the help and services they need when they need them,’’ she said.