Queensland’s ‘brave decision’ on pill testing supported by RACGP

Australian doctors have come out in support of a controversial pill testing move, saying it will stop people from “dropping dead”.

A prominent group of doctors have come out in support of Queensland’s move to give pill testing the green light, saying it is a “huge step forward” and will save lives.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners backed the state’s decision to introduce fixed and mobile pill testing sites in Brisbane and at festivals around the state to chemically test illicit drugs to check for the presence of potentially dangerous substances.

RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins said there was no way to stop people from taking drugs - but there were ways of lessening the damage.

Pill testing works by taking a small portion of the drug and testing it for potency and for the presence of harmful additives. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“It’s a reality that despite the risks and illegality, some people will keep taking illicit drugs,” Dr Higgins said.

“We should not stick our heads in the sand and pretend otherwise, instead we should minimise the harm.

“Pill testing saves lives, including teenagers and other young people at events such as music festivals, and it’s also a fantastic way of engaging with those who are using drugs.”

The onset of summer and the music festival season often sees tragic stories of drug overdoses and related deaths hit the headlines.

A 26-year-old man died from a suspected overdose after attending Sydney’s Transmission music festival on February 11, while 12 others were taken to hospital for treatment related to drug use.

Other states have been urged to adopt pill testing at music festivals rather than a punitive approach that sees drug users penalised. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

The new testing sites are a part of the state government’s Achieving Balance Plan, aimed at reducing alcohol and drug-related harm according to Health Minister Yvette D’Ath.

“Pill testing is all about harm minimisation; we don’t want people ending up in our emergency departments or worse losing their life,” Ms D’Ath said.

“It is important to note that pill testing services do not promote that drugs are safe, however they are among a suite of options that can positively affect outcomes regarding illicit drug use.

Drug users are not told that the illicit substances are safe to take, and are referred to further help if they choose to take it. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“Pill testing services will inform people what chemical substances are in their drugs.”

The move was described as a “victory for common sense” by RACGP Vice President Dr Bruce Willett.

“When these sites are up and running, people will not be flying blind, they will have somewhere safe to go free of judgment where they can get information and advice,” he said.

“This is not about condoning drug use and it does not remove police powers related to illicit drugs, rather it’s about reducing harm.”