The Victorian Government has announced an expansion of its mobile pill testing program, with four additional music festivals set to host the harm reduction service in early 2024.
Following successful implementation at Beyond the Valley in December, where over 700 patrons accessed the free and confidential testing, the pill testing program will continue its rollout across both single and multi-day events.
The expansion comes in response to a concerning spike in drug-related incidents during last year’s festival season, including nine critical cases of hyperthermia at Hardmission Festival and one death at Pitch Music and Arts Festival.
Confirmed pill testing festivals
- Hardmission Festival – 8 February
- Pitch Music and Arts Festival – 7-11 March
- Ultra Music Festival – 12 April
- The Warehouse Project – 25 April
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Data from Beyond the Valley’s inaugural service showed approximately one in 50 festivalgoers had substances tested, with most users being in their late teens or early twenties. The service, operated by The Loop and Harm Reduction Victoria in partnership with Youth Support and Advocacy Service, can process up to 30 tests per hour – the highest capacity of any Australian pill testing facility.
Beyond simple substance analysis, the program has demonstrated significant impact on patron behaviour. For more than 70 percent of users, it marked their first judgment-free discussion about drug and alcohol safety with a health professional. Nearly 40 percent indicated they would reduce their planned drug consumption following consultations, while one in six intended to dispose of their substances after testing.
The service has also revealed crucial gaps in drug safety knowledge, particularly regarding interactions between recreational substances and prescription medications. Many participants were unaware of dangerous combinations with antidepressants and other mental health medications. There are also plans to open a permanent drug-checking site in Melbourne’s CBD.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt said: “Following a spike in drug harm last festival season, this service is more important than ever – it offers a sensible health-led approach that will save the lives of young Victorian festivalgoers.”
She added: “The results from Beyond the Valley speak for themselves: pill testing does not encourage people to use drugs. It allows people to see what’s really in their substances and make informed health decisions.”
Find out more about Victoria’s pill testing trial here.