Released 09/12/2019
The ACT Government welcomes findings from the independent ACT Pill Testing Trial 2019: Program Evaluation, conducted by the Australian National University (ANU). The report shows that pill testing can have a significant impact in reducing the potential harms associated with the use of illicit drugs.
ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ANU evaluation was nation leading research that demonstrates the benefit of providing a supportive policy environment for pill testing at major music festivals.
“We now have an independent evaluation undertaken by experts from the ANU that clearly shows pill testing is an effective health intervention at the point when someone is making the decision to take a pill,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
Key findings of the evaluation include:
- all patrons who had particularly dangerous drugs identified (N-ethyl pentylone) disposed of the drug in the amnesty bin provided as part of the service;
- on leaving the service 28% of patrons said that they would use less of the drug than planned;
- 97 per cent of patrons said the information they received was very clear and consistently reported that their interaction with the service increased their knowledge on how to reduce harm, particularly for novice users;
- patrons said that they would change their behaviour to reduce harm by taking less of the drug, spacing out their use, drinking water, and being less reluctant to seek medical assistance;
- 98 per cent of patrons rated the service very highly; and
- 95 per cent would use the service again if available.
“The ACT Government does not condone the use of illicit drugs. We know the safest option remains not to take drugs and this will always be our advice to the community.
“However, we also believe governments have a responsibility to not only try and prevent drug use but also to support initiatives that reduce the harms associated with drug use.
“The ACT has been a leader in taking a harm minimisation approach to illicit drug use. Our support of the pill testing trials is another example of our strong commitment to a holistic and progressive policy, underpinned by our belief that the use of drugs is primarily a health issue.
Findings from this independent report will provide a bigger evidence base for pill testing nationally and help to inform future policy decisions for pill testing in the ACT.
“We need to continue this conversation at a national level. Across the country, we have seen too many avoidable deaths at music festivals. It is obvious current processes and policies are not working and more needs to be done.
“I will be writing to my ministerial colleagues across the country and to the Federal Minister for Health to provide a copy of the report and notify them of my intention to continue this incredibly important conversation at COAG Health Council in 2020.
“I hope all states and territories consider these findings seriously. Any action that can be taken to reduce the harm of illicit drug use at music festivals must be explored.
For a copy of the report, visit: For a copy of the report, visit: https://health.act.gov.au/about-our-health-system/population-health/pill-testing
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases