In a landmark move for harm reduction in Australia, the Victorian government is implementing pill testing services at festivals and events across the state across the 2024/425 summer.

Drug testing will be introduced in Victoria, with users able to test pills, powders and liquids for the presence of deadly substances at festivals and at a fixed location in Melbourne. This marks a significant shift in drug policy, prioritising public health and safety over punitive measures.

Pill testing bill

The Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Pill Testing) Bill 2024 aims to authorise both fixed and mobile pill testing services throughout Victoria. This legislation will provide legal protection for all parties involved, including festival operators, pill-testing staff, and service users.

The service will become permanent in Victoria following an 18-month trial.

How pill testing will work

Pill testing in Victoria will operate on two fronts:

1. Mobile testing services: These will be present at 10 scheduled music festivals and events across the state during the 2024/25 summer festival season.
2. Fixed site: A permanent testing facility is planned to open by mid-2025 in inner Melbourne, located near nightlife areas and public transport.

The service will employ advanced drug analysis technology capable of examining various forms of substances, including pills, capsules, powders, crystals, and liquids. This technology can identify harmful chemicals that may lead to severe health consequences or death.

Key features of the program

• Trained peer workers: These professionals will be on hand to provide confidential health advice, helping individuals make informed decisions.
• Comprehensive analysis: The testing can detect the composition of most substances, offering crucial information about potential risks.
• Legal protection: The bill ensures that all parties involved in the testing process are protected from legal repercussions.
• Police co-operation: The initiative has been developed in collaboration with Victoria Police with claims it will attempt to balance law enforcement and harm reduction.

The importance of this moment

This $4-million pill testing trial represents a significant step forward in harm reduction strategies. By providing accurate information about substance composition, the service aims to:

1. Save lives by identifying potentially lethal substances.
2. Educating users about the risks associated with drug use.
3. Inform public health responses and campaigns through data collection.

The move brings the state into line with the Australian Capital Territory and Queensland, where drug-checking services have been in place since 2022 and 2024.

What’s next?

As we celebrate this progress in Victoria, it’s crucial to continue advocating for similar evidence-based approaches nationwide. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other states and territories, ultimately leading to a more compassionate and effective national drug policy.

The Unharm community is continuing to push for similar pill-testing measures across Australia, including NSW. 

What you can do

Your support has been instrumental in getting this across the line in Victoria, but there’s still work to do:

Sign our petition demanding NSW Premier Chris Minns implement pill testing to detect nitazenes and other dangerous substances.