Pill tests still no-go

Premier digs heels in despite another death at music festival

THE NSW premier remains steadfastly opposed to pill testing despite the death of another young man at a music festival.

Glenn Mcrae, 24, died on Sunday after reportedly consuming a cocktail of drugs including GHB, MDMA and cocaine at the Strawberry Fields festival in Tocumwal in the Riverina.

Mr Mcrae’s death was the first of the summer music festival period and came just weeks after deputy state coroner Harriet Grahame delivered 28 recommendations – including a pill testing trial – after an inquest into six MDMA-related deaths at NSW festivals.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian yesterday continued to rule out a trial of pill testing despite the deputy coroner’s recommendations and the testimony of most experts who say it would reduce harm.

After being repeatedly questioned on the issue, Ms Berejiklian hit back.

“What questions would you be asking me if we allow pill testing and over a summer 10 people died ... after someone told them there were no impurities in their pill – we’d be having a very different conversation,” she told reporters in Sydney. “For every person whose life might be saved by pill testing, if that were the case, there could be 10 others that succumb because they’re given a false sense of security.”

The coroner last month said drug testing was conducted around the world and “no facility ever advises patrons their drugs are safe”.

“One of the most important aspects of drug checking ... is the possibility of providing a brief harm reduction intervention,” Harriet Grahame found. As a result, some festival-goers make behavioural changes.

Grieving friends paid tribute to Mr Mcrae online.

“You were such a quality bloke always up for a chat and a laugh. Just can’t believe it was you,” friend Abbey Macklan posted.