The success of the second pill testing service at the recent Groovin the Moo music festival at Exhibition Park has prompted the Minister for Health and Wellbeing to declare that a demand for the service exists.
The Minister, Meegan Fitzharris said more than 200 people used the pill testing service this time compared to approximately 125 when the service was offered for the first time in Australia at last year’s Groovin the Moofestival in Canberra
“What these figures show is that there is a demand for this service at events such as music festivals which is indicative of people wanting to make informed choices,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“We understand from Pill Testing Australia that around 171 samples were tested,” she said.
“MDMA was the prominent substance identified and to a lesser extent cocaine, ketamine and methamphetamines.”
She said of particular concern was the detection of n-ethylpentylone, and this information had been shared with ACT Policing and the Chief Health Officer.
“It was good to see that people chose to discard pills containing this dangerous substance,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“The ACT Government would like to acknowledge the efforts of festival organiser, Cattleyard Promotions, for allowing this second pill testing trial to take place.”
She also acknowledged the work and expertise of Pill Testing Australia for carrying out the trial.
The Minister said the Australian National University would now conduct an independent evaluation of the trial.
“This will further contribute to the evidence base for pill testing both locally and nationally, and help inform future policy decisions of Government, including other opportunities for pill testing in the future,” Ms Fitzharris said.
