Police Minister Rene Hidding shoots down Greens call for pill testing at music festivals
TASMANIA’S Police Minister says there is no way he will allow pill testing at music festivals.
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TASMANIA’S Police Minister says there is no way he will allow pill testing at music festivals.
The Greens’ alternative budget advocates for pill testing as part of a big preventive health push.
Under the safer festival experience policy, the Greens would invest in five pill testing machines and provide two full time staff to offer pill testing at major festivals and events around Tasmania.
In State Parliament Greens health spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff asked Police Minister Rene Hidding if the State Government would consider pill testing.
“The evidence shows it will keep our young people safe from harmful drugs, and it has the support of the Police Association,” she said.
Mr Hidding swiftly rejected the idea.
“This Government will not provide quality assurance for drug pushers,” he said.
Health Minister Michael Ferguson accused the Greens of promoting drug use.
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