Nevena and Macca are joined live on air by Ingrid Stitt, State ALP MP, Minister for Mental Health: as they discuss Victoria’s new pill-testing scheme to begin in the summer of 2024/25.

Victoria’s pill testing trial aims to reduce harm and save lives.

The pill testing service, also known as drug checking, will commence at the start of the summer 2024-2025 festival season and run for 18 months.

Victoria has seen a rise in drug-related emergency department admissions and overdose deaths involving novel synthetic drugs. Victorian paramedics responded to more drug overdoses at festivals in the first three months of 2024, than during all of 2023.

A mobile service will begin during this summer’s music festival season and will attend up to 10 festivals and events throughout the trial. A fixed site, due to open in mid-2025 will be co-located at a health service and operate from inner Melbourne, close to nightlife and transport.

The Department of Health will soon begin a procurement process to identify the most appropriate provider to operate the service.

The drug checking technology available at services can test the make-up of most pills, capsules, powders, crystals, or liquids and identify harmful chemicals that can lead to death or serious harm.

Trained harm reduction peer workers and technical experts will be present during drug testing. They will provide information about what is in the drug and give personalized and confidential harm reduction advice to help people make informed decisions.

Changes to the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 will allow the trial to be introduced along with protections for the services, for its staff, and for its clients – so no one is breaking the law by operating or using the testing service.

https://www.health.vic.gov.au/alcohol-and-drugs/victorias-pill-testing-trial

The post Saturday 2nd November, 2024: Ingrid Stitt, State ALP MP, Minister for Mental Health: Pill Testing Legislation. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.