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A proposal to set up a static pill testing site in Canberra’s city centre won’t go ahead this summer, but the Health Minister is still considering the project. The government in August agreed to explore the idea of making pill testing a regular occurrence in Civic over the summer months in response to a motion from the Greens. It would operate on weekends and be informed by expert health advice. But it has been deemed too complex a project to be approved in the timeframe suggested by Greens leader Shane Rattenbury. “Given the range of legal and practical issues involved in establishing a static pill testing trial, cabinet consideration will be required,” an ACT government spokeswoman said. “It is therefore unlikely that a pilot site will be operational by the end of February. However, work is continuing across government to enable this consideration to occur at the earliest opportunity. “This includes discussions with relevant experts and stakeholders, as well as consideration of the legal and practical issues associated with enabling, supporting or delivering a static pill testing service as compared to a one-off service in a festival environment.” The ACT is the only jurisdiction in Australia to allow pill testing. The first trial was conducted in 2018 at the Groovin’ the Moo festival. Another trial was completed at the same festival in 2019, with a study giving it the thumbs up. READ MORE: Mr Rattenbury has been calling for a fixed pill testing site for a number of years. He said a funding model was needed to make pill testing sustainable – whether through government funding, philanthropic support or contributions from festival organisers.
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A proposal to set up a static pill testing site in Canberra’s city centre won’t go ahead this summer, but the Health Minister is still considering the project.
The government in August agreed to explore the idea of making pill testing a regular occurrence in Civic over the summer months in response to a motion from the Greens.
It would operate on weekends and be informed by expert health advice.
But it has been deemed too complex a project to be approved in the timeframe suggested by Greens leader Shane Rattenbury.
“Given the range of legal and practical issues involved in establishing a static pill testing trial, cabinet consideration will be required,” an ACT government spokeswoman said.
“It is therefore unlikely that a pilot site will be operational by the end of February. However, work is continuing across government to enable this consideration to occur at the earliest opportunity.
“This includes discussions with relevant experts and stakeholders, as well as consideration of the legal and practical issues associated with enabling, supporting or delivering a static pill testing service as compared to a one-off service in a festival environment.”
The ACT is the only jurisdiction in Australia to allow pill testing.
Another trial was completed at the same festival in 2019, with a study giving it the thumbs up.
Mr Rattenbury has been calling for a fixed pill testing site for a number of years. He said a funding model was needed to make pill testing sustainable – whether through government funding, philanthropic support or contributions from festival organisers.
A proposed pill testing trial won’t go ahead this summer. Photo: Jamila Toderas
