Drug testing clinic to defy Qld govt order as reopening looms
A Brisbane drug testing clinic faces immediate shutdown when it reopens this week, setting up a dramatic showdown with the government.
The operator of Queensland’s only drug testing facility informed the state government more than two months ago of its intention to reopen — and claims it has been completely ignored.
Yet Acting Premier Jarrod Bleijie is adamant Cheqpoint — now bankrolled by philanthropist Tanya Nelson Carnegie — will be shut down by the government.
Cheqpoint’s Brisbane clinic is set to reopen on Friday.
The Loop Australia is a partner in Cheqpoint’s drug testing clinic and chief executive Cameron Francis confirmed the organisation had formally notified Queensland Health — per government policy — more than 60 days ago of their intention to reopen.
“We have always operated within this policy framework, which remains published on the Queensland Health website today,” Mr Francis said.
“Despite this, no one from government has contacted us to request that we not open next Friday.
“We have repeatedly sought a meeting with the Health Minister (Tim Nicholls) to discuss our work and its proven benefits, but those requests have been declined.
“Our door remains open. We are ready to work with government to ensure this lifesaving service continues to keep the community safe.”
Mr Bleijie on Sunday doubled down on the government’s opposition to pill testing.
“There is no safe illicit substance. That’s why they’re illegal,” he said.
“That’s why the government is taking a zero-tolerance approach to privately funded or publicly funded pill testing facilities.
“The privately funded pill testing for illicit substances is not happening in Queensland.”
The Courier-Mail has previously revealed people had used the drug testing facilities for legal medications — particularly weight loss and antidepressants purchased on the online black market.
Pill testing involves the testing of substances a person is intending to use, providing a health intervention that aims to change a person’s behaviour, and reduce their risk of harms associated with illicit drug use.
Mr Bleijie said there was a drug problem across the country and “you can’t fix the drug problem or get people off party drugs or illicit substances by making it normal”.
Opposition Leader Steven Miles accused the Crisafulli government of governing by ideology rather than expert advice.
“Police and health experts say this clinic will save Queensland lives and make our community safer, but the Premier is against it because of some backward-thinking, tinfoil-hat-wearing beliefs,” he said.
“Premier (David) Crisafulli is just another ideologically driven LNP premier playing to his base at the expense of Queenslanders.”
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Originally published as Drug testing clinic to defy Qld govt order as reopening looms
