Poll: Do you support pill testing at festivals in Tasmania?

A poll of Mercury readers has revealed how people feel about a plan to introduce pill testing at Tasmanian festivals. The results could surprise you. THERE IS STILL TIME TO VOTE.

A poll of Mercury readers has revealed there is real divide in opinion over the support of a council’s plan to introduce pill testing at Tasmanian festivals.

This week, the Mercury revealed Hobart City Council could become the first government authority in Tasmania to endorse pill testing at major events and festivals held in its municipality.

The city’s community, culture and events committee took the first steps towards declaring in-principle support for drug analysis services on Wednesday night, with the motion to be presented to the full council within a fortnight.

But any pill testing services would need State Government sanctioning to be implemented — and it has indicated its stance hasn’t changed.

More than 300 Mercury readers have had their say on the move with more than 50 per cent in support of the proposal, 46 per cent against and two per cent unsure.

Events and festivals held in Hobart that could see pill testing in the future include Dark Mofo and Day on the Lawn at the Botanical Gardens.

Dark Mofo creative director Leigh Carmichael has previously called on the Government and Opposition to “stop playing politics” and support pill testing at Tasmanian festivals.

Dark Mofo Creative Director Leigh Carmichael, left, Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council Tasmania CEO Alison Lai and president of Harm Reduction Australia Gino Vumbaca. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN