Queensland follows Canberra’s lead on tablet testing

By Luke Costin in Brisbane

QUEENSLAND will roll out pill-testing websites in an try and curb the dangerous results of illicit medicine.

Well being Minister Yvette D’Ath stated on Saturday that Queensland would introduce tablet testing at cell and stuck websites following the success of trials in Canberra.

The service would permit customers to have their illicit medicine chemically examined for the presence of doubtless harmful substances and chemical compounds.

“Tablet testing is all about hurt minimisation,” she stated in a press release.

“We don’t need folks ending up in our emergency departments or worse dropping their life.

“You will need to be aware that tablet testing providers don’t promote that medicine are secure, nonetheless they’re amongst a collection of choices that may positively have an effect on outcomes relating to illicit drug use.”

It follows two trials carried out by Tablet Testing Australia (PTA) at Canberra’s Groovin’ the Moo pageant in 2018 and 2019, and an ongoing trial at a hard and fast web site.

The ACT was the primary state or territory to introduce a government-approved fastened pill-testing web site when it started the trial final 12 months.
Victoria and NSW have resisted pushes to roll out accredited testing websites regardless of a number of coronial inquests into drug-related pageant deaths recommending the measure.

PTA medical lead and emergency drugs doctor David Caldicott stated there was a sure diploma of bravery in Queensland’s choice.

“Any shift in direction of science and drugs is one thing to be vastly applauded and appreciated,” he informed AAP.

“There’s a sure diploma of bravery – opponents (to drug checking) may have an anaphylaxis about transferring away from the Fifties drug coverage.”

The transfer mirrored the group’s need to shift from a tough-on-drugs method to medically based mostly options, he stated.

“The proof has at all times been there – we wouldn’t have been in a position to begin it within the ACT with out it,” Dr Caldicott stated.

“That is now not an proof or medical query. That is virtually completely an ideological or political choice that needs to be made.

“There’s an effort to attempt to shift to one thing that’s extra well-liked but in addition the one factor supported by the proof.

“Australia has been a little bit of a standout Luddite on medicine coverage and this brings Australia into line with international requirements.”