The government has invested in state-of-the-art technology for drug-checking, capable of testing pills, capsules, powders, crystals, and liquids
Victoria has become the first jurisdiction in Australia to enshrine pill testing, also known as drug checking, into law, with new legislation passed by the Victorian government. The Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Pill Testing) Bill 2024 allows for both fixed and mobile pill testing services, ensuring operators and users of these services are within the law.
The new legislation is set to pave the way for a trial of pill testing services, which the Victorian government plans to roll out this summer at music festivals and events. Up to 10 festivals and events will see mobile pill testing sites, providing on-site testing and drug-checking services, while a fixed pill testing site is slated to open in mid-2025. The fixed site will operate in collaboration with a community or tertiary health provider, with planned hours targeting nightlife locations and public transport access in inner Melbourne.
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Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt underscored the importance of the legislation, noting, “No drug is ever truly safe, but with this new legislation, Victorians can be better informed about their drug use.” She clarified that these measures do not make drug use legal but instead seek to provide life-saving information in an unpredictable and sometimes dangerous drug market.
Pill testing services, according to the government, are focused on providing people with essential information about the contents of substances they intend to use. This information can assist individuals in making safer, more informed choices. The new law also ensures that Victoria Police maintains a balance between enforcement against drug dealers and encouraging festival-goers to use the testing service without fear of legal repercussions.
These devices will identify harmful chemicals, which in some cases can lead to fatal consequences. Alongside the technical equipment, trained peer workers and health professionals will provide confidential health advice to service users.
The legislation also supports improved access to naloxone, an overdose reversal medication, through the installation of 20 vending machines across Victoria by mid-2025. The vending machines aim to make naloxone more accessible to the community, particularly in high-risk areas.
Stitt highlighted the need for such an initiative, explaining, “We have made it clear since announcing this trial – these changes don’t make drugs legal, but by having pill testing services in place, we can help to keep more Victorians safe during busy summer festival seasons.”
Data collected from this trial will inform future public health responses, with a focus on refining the model to best suit Victoria’s needs. The Victorian government has stated that pill testing trials have proven effective in saving lives in other parts of the world, and they hope to see similar results locally through this initiative.
Find out more about pill testing here.
