Police Association of Tasmania and Liberals opposed to Greens’ pill testing push

The Police Association has flagged its opposition to Greens legislation that would open the doors to pill testing at festivals and events in Tasmania.

Greens MP Rosalie Woodruff hopes the other parties support the pill testing legislation. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

THE Police Association has flagged its opposition to Greens legislation that would open the doors to pill testing at festivals and events in Tasmania.

The Greens tabled legislation in parliament on Thursday that would provide legal protections for services offering pill testing and the people who used the service to check illicit drugs.

It would also allow for the creation of a special advisory committee to provide advice to the Health Minister on drug analysis matters.

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Greens MP Rosalie Woodruff said they hoped the Labor and Liberal parties support the Bill.

“It is so widely supported in the community now,” Dr Woodruff said.

“Really, when it comes down to it, wouldn’t we want to do everything we can to make sure people aren’t putting dangerous, life-threatening things into their bodies?”

Police Association of Tasmania acting president Gavin Cashion. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

The Misuse of Drugs Amendment (Drug Analysis) Bill 2018 has earned the support of the Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council, the Youth Network of Tasmania, Community Legal Centres Tasmania and the Australian Lawyers Alliance.

But Police Association of Tasmania acting president Gavin Cashion said he did not back the reform, because support for pill testing would send the wrong message.

“Pill testing is effectively doing quality assurance for drug pushers,” Mr Cashion said. “People have a choice — to take drugs or not take drugs.”

Police and Health Minister Michael Ferguson also dismissed pill testing as a “quality control program for drug dealers”.

Police and Health Minister Michael Ferguson. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“Illicit drugs are dangerous by their very nature and young Tasmanians should be able to enjoy festivals without being pressured to take part in dangerous and illicit behaviour,” Mr Ferguson said.

Opposition deputy leader Michelle O’Byrne said her party would closely examine the Greens’ Bill.

“We need to understand the implications and we’ll be seeking advice on that,” Ms O’Byrne said.

The ACT’s Labor-Green Government allowed a nation-first trial of pill testing at a Canberra festival earlier this year.

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