New pill testing push

Government policy questioned after coroner’s finding in NSW

TASMANIAN politicians are questioning the Government’s stance on pill testing in the wake of a NSW coroner’s recommendation that drugs be decriminalised and pills tested at festivals to save lives.

Following an inquest into the deaths of six young people, Coroner Harriet Grahame called for sweeping reforms saying punitive policing tactics increased the risk of drug deaths. The coroner also called for pill testing and the removal of drug dogs from festivals.

Murchison MLC Ruth Forrest says she will be moving to again debate having a pill testing trial at this summer’s music festivals when the Legislative Council next sits. Ms Forrest said she wanted the Government to reconsider its position.

Speaker Sue Hickey is bucking her Government’s stance and wants change.

“Surely we can ditch the politics and consider the evidence to save our kids,” she tweeted yesterday while pointing to a scientific article which backs pill testing.

Last year, the Tasmanian Greens’ proposed pill testing legislation was voted down in parliament.

It would have allowed those who had drugs at festivals to have them tested for safety free of charge. Both Labor and the Liberals voted the proposal down.

Yesterday Minister for State Growth Michael Ferguson reiterated his Government’s stand.

“Freeing up drug laws in Tasmania is not the answer for any music festival,” Mr Ferguson said.

“We encourage people not to take illegal drugs. No level is safe.”

Ms Forrest said taking illicit or illegal drugs was a risk-taking behaviour but pointed out that most politicians would have undertaken risky behaviour around alcohol, drugs, driving or sex during their youth.

Labor’s Michelle O’Byrne would not say what Labor’s policy was on the issue.