Gladys Berejiklian to appoint music festival panel to look into drugs

Gladys Berejiklian has announced she will appoint a “panel” to look into music festivals and drug taking after two deaths at Penrith’s Defqon1.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has ruled out introducing a system of pill testing at music festivals.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced she will appoint a “panel” to look into music festivals and drug taking there - backing away, at least temporarily - from a threat Sunday to just shut down a Penrith music festival after two drug-related deaths.

Ms Berejiklian said she was sticking to her Sunday statements by committing to the fact the Defqon 1 festival could not remain in its current form but what will happen to the festival would be decided in “four weeks” after recommendations from Police Commissioner Mick Fuller, NSW Chief Medical Officer Kerry Chant and the Chair of the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority Philip Crawford.

Ms Berejiklian said the trio would provide advice on “whether new offences or increased penalties are required to stop drug dealers endangering lives; how music festival promoters and operators can improve safety at their festivals; and whether improved drug education is required to address the increase in illegal drug use in our community.”

The Premier ruled out introducing a system of pill testing at music festivals, saying this would not guarantee that young adults would be killed.

“I want people to be able to enjoy music festivals - they are an important part of NSW’s entertainment scene. But, unfortunately, the operators of this particular festival had a poor safety record with four deaths in the last five years and many more being treated for drug-related injuries. This is simply not good enough.”

Ms Berejiklian said it was “my job” to keep people safe at the festivals.

“Festival goers have a right to enjoy these events without fear of harm. Parents and families expect us to do whatever we can to keep their children safe.”