Queensland to introduce pill testing of illicit drugs

Festivals in one state are set to be overhauled after a long-awaited announcement.

Pill testing will be offered across Queensland in a bid to reduce the risk of people using harmful and potentially lethal illicit drugs.

The Palaszczuk government announced it will offer the pill testing services after successful trials in the ACT, where users could have their illicit drugs chemically tested to check for potentially dangerous substances and chemical compounds.

Fixed and mobile test sites are set rolled out in Brisbane and at festivals around the state.

Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath says pill testing will help reduce harm. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the new test sites will be part of the government’s Achieving Balance Plan, which is designed to reduce alcohol and drug-related harm and consider additional intervention strategies.

“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.

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

While protocols around the operation of testing are still being developed, the government will put out to tender for a provider to trial pill testing at fixed and mobile locations.

“I would like to see in the next six months we’ve got a provider willing to trial this and then it’s up to the provider as to how many sites they want to trial,” Ms D’Ath said.

Queensland Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies chief executive officer Rebecca Lang said the plan was a “pragmatic and effective way to reduce the potential for drug related harm”.

The Queensland pill testing program will be modelled off the Canberra service. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“Drug checking services have been available in Europe for over 20 years and have contributed to significant reductions in drug related harms, particularly harms related to adulterated drug supply or high purity drugs,” she said.

She explained people can provide a sample of their illicit drugs which will be tested and the results will be returned with an explanation about what was found.

“There’s no circumstances where someone is given drugs back and said they’re safe,” Ms Lang said.

“It’s only generalised advice that can be provided.”

Ms Lang said the drug samples provided would also be destroyed as they remain illegal but hoped the testing can provide people with a better understanding of what they’re consuming.

“The fixed site drug checking trial in Canberra has proven the value of this type of service in alerting the public to particularly dangerous substances in circulation, as well as connecting people who use drugs with credible harm reduction information,” Ms Lang said.

“Drug checking services have been proven to engage people who use drugs who may never have spoken with a health professional about their drug use before and provide an opportunity to provide a brief intervention that can protect the health and wellbeing of people who access the service.”

Australia's first fixed pill-testing clinic was set up in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic said the pill testing will provide another tool in addressing harms linked to illicit drugs.

“The reality is people will encounter and experiment with drugs, including when they go to nightclubs or attend festivals – and these drugs can harm or kill,” he said.

“The most important part of drug checking is connection with a specialist alcohol and other drug worker for someone who already possesses a drug and intends to take it.

“The intervention is intended to provide information, explain the risks of drug-taking, reduce serious harm, and facilitate access to treatment and support, where needed.”