Pill testing ruled out at Schoolies
SCHOOLIES officials will not conduct pill testing as part of their Safer Schoolies Response, despite concerns about drug use at the festivities.
More than 20,000 Queensland schoolies are expected to flood the Surfers Paradise party precinct between Saturday, November 19 and Friday, November 25.
More than 1000 volunteers will run “integrated health and wellbeing spaces” as well as Chill Out and Recharge Zones throughout the tourism haven.
Community group Drug ARM will run one of the zones for schoolies who have consumed alcohol or drugs and need help.
“From a Drug ARM perspective what we’re there to do is provide a safe environment,” communications manager Alexandra Davis said.
“If people have used drugs or they have used alcohol we want it to be a safe and welcoming space for them to get the support they need and see us as friends in that situation.”
Ms Davis said typically schoolies under the influence needed “a bit of chill out time” without escalation.
She also said Drug ARM would not provide a pill testing service.
“I know that it (the Zones) is a response to what is already happening and that is where we come in and respond to that circumstance,” she said.
“As part of our consideration for lots of things we do, we consider a whole suite of measures to support young people over a challenging, life-changing time.”
Ms Davis said there were no immediate plans for Drug ARM to introduce pill testing at Schoolies in future.
When asked about the potential to introduce pill testing during the end of schooling celebrations, Gold Coast police Superintendent Rhys Wildman said he was not aware of any plans in motion.
“It requires a whole of government approach,” he said.
When asked if he supported pill testing at the event generally he said he would “have to look at the evidence”.
Safer Schoolies director Anna Hanson said the role of organisers was to “keep young people safe” throughout their Gold Coast celebrations.
“All of our planning around schoolies is centred around safety,” she said.
There will be an increased police presence in the Surfers Paradise precinct throughout Schoolies 2022.
She said bolstered safety and support services, as well as a “no wristband, no access” policy would make the party hub “the safest place for legitimate schoolies” to have their fun.
But she still urged caution and advised schoolies to “stay safe and watch your mates”.
“Stick together look out for one another,” she said.
“Support each other, talk to each other and importantly seek help together.”
“Whatever support you need, we’ve got you covered.”