Pill testing encourages drug use at festivals, say defiant members

The Tasmanian Liberal Party has hammered home its opposition to pill testing at its annual council, saying if young people can say no to eating meat they can say no to drugs.

The Liberals have passed a motion, saying no to pill testing.

The Tasmanian Liberal Party has hammered home its opposition to pill testing at its annual council, saying if young people can say no to coal-fired power stations and eating meat they can say no to drugs.

“Drug like ecstasy and ice were illegal for a reason — because they can kill,” said a member of the Lindisfarne Branch, which put up a motion for the Tasmanian Government to continue to oppose the introduction of pill testing at events and festivals.

“The government should not be making any move to condone the taking of such drugs by providing testing facilities,” read the motion.

The push for pill testing to be introduced at festivals, where young people often consume drugs, came after several deaths at public music events.

“The idea that we would encouraging their consumption is utterly unthinkable,” a party member said in support of the motion.

“I am concerned lobbying for pill testing will increase. It’s up to this council to reaffirm it is inappropriate to provide free quality control service for drug dealers. The individual needs to take responsibility.”