Dark Mofo calls on Liberals, Labor to support pill testing

Dark Mofo has called on the Government and Opposition to “stop playing politics” and support a Greens Bill that would allow pill testing at Tasmanian festivals.

Dark Mofo creative director Leigh Carmichael. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

DARK Mofo has called on the Government and Opposition to “stop playing politics” and support a Greens Bill that would allow pill testing at Tasmanian festivals.

Dark Mofo creative director Leigh Carmichael spoke after the Opposition accused the Greens of pulling a “stunt” in tabling legislation that would provide a legal framework for pill testing.

MORE:

LABOR REJECTS GREENS’ PILL TESTING ‘STUNT’

POLICE, LIBERALS OPPOSE GREENS’ PILL TESTING BILL

COMMUNITY GROUPS SUPPORT PILL TESTING PUSH

ALISON LAI: WE CAN’T WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE DIES

The Greens legislation was drafted in consultation with the people behind Australia’s first pill testing trial and was backed by the Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council, several lawyers’ groups and the Youth Network of Tasmania.

“We know drug use happens, particularly in environments like music festivals, so we must do what we can to reduce the risk of harm or death,” Carmichael said.

“We do not condone or seek to normalise illicit drug use, and we don’t wish to undermine the important work of Tasmania Police.

“We have a duty of care to our audience, and saving lives is more important than any political game around this issue.”

The Government does not support pill testing and Labor did not reveal its position but said it would not support the Greens Bill.

The Police Association of Tasmania has also expressed opposition to the proposal.

Greens health spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff has said pill testing would save lives.

The consortium behind the ACT’s pill testing trial this year uncovered two potentially fatal pills at the Groovin the Moo music festival.

Australian Lawyers Alliance national spokesman Greg Barns said it was possible to conduct a pill testing trial if there was co-operation between the Health Department and Tasmania Police. He said he was talking with the Canberra pill testing consortium about pursuing this avenue for Tasmanian events.

”This is a life-saving technique and it’s harm minimisation policy,” Mr Barns said.

“In terms of reducing legal risk, it’s in the interest of festival promoters and owners to offer pill testing.”

The Greens will bring on their pill testing debate on Wednesday.