Today’s announcement by the NSW Government of a music festival-based pill testing trial is a small step towards reducing the harms of illicit drug use.

President of the Law Society of NSW Brett McGrath said pill testing can help those who choose to use illicit drugs make safer, potentially life-saving choices. 

“The Law Society continues to support the prioritisation of health and safety in public responses to the complex issue of personal use and possession of illicit drugs. This pill testing trial marks welcome progress towards a health centred approach,” Mr McGrath said.

“At this month’s Drug Summit, the Law Society repeated its support for the establishment of a state-wide clinically supervised substance testing, education and information service among a number of priority reform proposals.”

Mr McGrath commended the NSW Government for adopting the interim advice from the Chairs of the Drug Summit to commence the pill testing trial in time for the upcoming music festival season.

“This timely decision has the potential to save lives, especially given the availability of on-site support with harm reduction advice. The independent evaluation of the outcomes of this initiative will be important to informing the development of appropriate drug law reform policies,” Mr McGrath said.

“The Law Society looks forward to examining the final report of the Drug Summit and is, as always, ready to provide to the Government expert legal input as it considers its response to the issues raised.”

The Law Society’s submission to the Drug Summit can be accessed here.