• Defence of strip searches is ‘frightening’, says ex-AFP chief

    Mr Palmer urged Mr Fuller to be ready to debate the issue, welcoming the opportunity to argue it, along with aspects of harm minimisation with the commissioner or the premier either publicly or privately. Mr Fuller declined to participate. […]

  • As a former top cop, I feel a duty to speak out

    The Coroner did not suggest, and I certainly do not suggest, that pill testing is the answer to illicit drug use. It is simply one of a matrix of reforms which we must be prepared to consider and trial if we are to make a positive difference. But to suggest that pill testing gives the green light to drug use…

  • People in High Places are Calling for Drug Decriminalisation

    “With the mounting evidence from experts in health and justice, we should be moving closer towards decriminalising drug use and personal possession,” NSW Greens MLC Cate Faehrmann told Sydney Criminal Lawyers. “Unfortunately, we have a conservative premier and government that refuses to implement policy based on evidence,” she explained. “Instead, they’re intent on pursuing their failed war on drugs and…

  • Alison Lai on the importance of checking the facts when forming an opinion on pill testing

    The evidence supporting pill testing has also been thoroughly reviewed by leading academics such as Professor Alison Ritter from the University of NSW and most recently by Magistrate Harriet Grahame, NSW Deputy Coroner, who has said: “I am in no doubt whatsoever that there is sufficient evidence to support a drug-checking trial in this state [both on-site and fixed]. […]

  • Why pill testing does not condone drug use: Ruth Forrest explains

    “In my mind (pill testing) is a health issue, it’s not a law enforcement issue,” she said. “We need to target suppliers and dealers. The more we can disrupt the supply, the better. “I live in the real world, and as a nurse and a midwife you come across people who have made poor or odd decisions … and no…

  • Pill Testing: Premier and Police Commissioner Have Their Heads in the Sand

    Pill testing has been trialled in Europe successfully for many years. In particular the Drug Information and Monitoring System operation in the Netherlands has proven itself to be a system that can assist with not only harm minimisation through drug testing, but also by collecting valuable data that can better inform festival planning and more targeted education. […]

  • Matter of Public Importance – Pill Testing this Summer

    What is so extraordinary about where we are in Tasmania and Australia is the support from the community for pill testing, amazing support. In Tasmania, as well as the Tasmanian branches of each of these bodies, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, the Royal Australasian College of General Practitioners, the Australian College of Emergency Medicine, Rural Doctors Association, Australian Medical…

  • Is pill testing a green light to take drugs? Experts argue no

    “Harm reduction or a health focused approach to drug law reform is not a single party issue; it’s public health. So it’s fantastic that two of the minor parties have joined together for this,” Stephanie Tzanetis, DanceWize Program Coordinator, told Neos Kosmos. Pill testing continues to be a controversial topic, but as a public health issue, Ms Tzanetis it shouldn’t…

  • Pill testing debate continues across Victoria

    Premier Daniel Andrews has again rejected the proposal to test drugs at music festivals, reiterating that his government’s policy will not change and supports the stance of the Victoria Police. ‘There’s nothing wrong with a debate about these things, that’s fine, but we’ve been very clear … even so-called “pure” versions of these drugs can kill you. […]

  • Pilot pill testing now: coroner

    Former federal police commissioner and Take Control spokesperson Mick Palmer said governments must start treating drug use as a health issue if they want to reduce harm. “Locking people up who actually need healthcare doesn’t get the drug issue under control. If we are to help people, we need to rethink our approach. […]