Pill Testing
Fake painkiller discovered in Brisbane more dangerous than heroin
The drug was sold as oxycodone and purchased online, highlighting the dangers of counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
- by Courtney Kruk
Latest
LNP casts doubt over future of pill testing at schoolies
Just 27 tests have been conducted so far at schoolies, equating to $8000 per test, says Queensland’s health minister.
- by Cameron Atfield
Pill-testing will be a Schoolies first. Here’s what parents and kids should know
Gold Coast school-leavers will have access to a free and confidential drug-testing service from Saturday, with advocates saying the initiative could be life-saving.
- by Courtney Kruk
Cautious Crisafulli in day-two rethink of LNP’s plan for schoolies
The new Queensland Premier will now “take some advice” about the LNP’s previous vow to scrap pill-testing services at schoolies amid concerns from doctors.
- by Matt Dennien
Analysis
Analysis
Pragmatism, morality and the social science of pill testing
Critics of pill testing fear it will create a false sense of security that leads to more people taking more drugs. But the evidence says otherwise.
- by Liam Mannix
How Victoria’s pill tests will work – both in the lab and at music festivals
Legislation to allow a pill-testing trial will be introduced to Victorian parliament on Tuesday. The government wants the first mobile sites up and running for the summer festival season.
- by Liam Mannix and Rachel Eddie
The hidden costs that are killing live music festivals
Pill testing could make attendance at music festivals and events much safer – but it could dramatically increase the financial risk borne by festivals.
- by Karl Quinn
Exclusive
Drug reform
Victorian pill testing trial to go to cabinet ‘within weeks’ with premier’s support
The proposed 12-month trial would likely include mobile teams at music festivals, where patrons could have their illicit drugs tested and receive harm reduction advice.
- by Rachael Dexter
Exclusive
Drug reform
How much a pill-testing trial would cost Victoria
Following festival overdoses, left-wing crossbenchers are stepping up pressure on the state government over drug checking.
- by Rachel Eddie
Opinion
For subscribers
The reason Jacinta Allan could upend Victoria’s opposition to pill testing
This week, the premier signalled a broadening to her outlook when she hinted the state’s long-standing opposition to pill testing may finally be up for debate.
- by Annika Smethurst
Exclusive
Drug reform
‘We have this conversation every summer’: The cost of MDMA overdoses
The Parliamentary Budget Office estimates Victoria spends up to $3.9 million a year on MDMA-related overdoses in ambulances, emergency departments and coronial inquiries.
- by Rachel Eddie