Tasmania’s Legislative Council is due to discuss pill testing this week

INDEPENDENT Murchison MLC Ruth Forrest is due to bring on a motion on pill testing in the Legislative Council this week.

Ecstasy pills in a plastic bag, drugs are seemingly available everywhere during 2009 schoolies at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, Queensland.

TASMANIA’S peak body for drug and alcohol services is urging MLCs to support a motion on pill testing in the Legislative Council this week.

Independent Murchison MLC Ruth Forrest is due to bring on a motion tomorrow (TUES) calling on the State Government to consider a pill testing trial in Tasmania.

Ms Forrest’s motion says pill testing is an evidence based health service that reduces the risk of illicit drug harm at music festivals and events.

Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council of Tasmania chief executive Alison Lai said although passing the motion did not compel the Government to act, it would add to growing calls from across the Tasmanian community for a trial to be explored.

Ecstasy pills in a plastic bag, drugs are seemingly available everwhere during 2009 schoolies at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, Queensland.

“Over the past few weeks we’ve seen more community organisations across Tasmania step forward to support a trial of pill testing including the Hobart City Council, Health Consumers Tasmania and the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre,” Ms Lai said.

Ms Lai said the ATDC was concerned politics was getting in the way of the evidence on pill testing.

“It is not asking for a commitment to introduce pill testing but rather asking the members of the Upper House, regardless of whether they are Liberal, Labor or independent, to acknowledge that pill testing is first and foremost a health service,” she said.

“Problematic illicit drug use is happening in Tasmania, and the only reason we haven’t lost someone at a music festival or event is not because of the police, or good behaviour it’s simply been good luck.”

The State Government has ruled out any support for pill testing, arguing there is no safe use of an illegal drug and it is reckless to suggest otherwise.