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NSW government to begin pill testing at music festivals from early 2025 as contents of illicit drugs become more unpredictable


Published on 2024-12-19 02:00:45 - Sky News Australia
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  • The New South Wales government has agreed to a 12-month trial of pill testing at music festivals in a bid to "reduce harm and save lives" of young people.

The New South Wales government has announced plans to introduce pill testing at music festivals starting in early 2025, in response to the increasing unpredictability of illicit drug contents. This initiative aims to reduce harm by allowing festival-goers to have their drugs tested for dangerous substances. The decision follows a coronial inquest into the deaths of six young people at music festivals, which recommended pill testing as a harm reduction strategy. The government's move is part of a broader shift towards evidence-based drug policy, acknowledging that prohibition alone is insufficient to prevent drug-related harm. The testing will be conducted by trained professionals who can provide information and advice on the risks associated with the drugs being tested.

Read the Full Sky News Australia Article at:
[ https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/nsw-government-to-begin-pill-testing-at-music-festivals-from-early-2025-as-contents-of-illicit-drugs-become-more-unpredictable/news-story/17b0c266ad7a4db4a1cd2dac092b72b7 ]