Hobart culture, events and community committee vote to trial pill testing

The notice of motion set out to minimise the harms associated with illicit drug use at festivals, events, pubs, clubs and venues in Hobart by having in-principle support of pill testing at Hobart events and festivals.

The trial would require the state government's support, but its stance against pill testing had remained firm, with newly appointed Health Minister Sarah Courtney saying pill testing was not supported by the government.

"I think it's very important that as a government we are not sending mixed messages to young people about whether illicit drugs are safe to use or not," she said.

Hobart City Council Councillor Holly Ewin, who put forward the notice of motion, said she was confident the motion would now pass when the council votes on it at the July 22 meeting.

"I am pretty confident it will go through," Cr Ewin said.

A representative from Alcohol, Tobacco, and other Drugs Council Tasmania gave a presentation on what pill testing is and isn't to the Community, Culture and Events Committee at the Wednesday night meeting.

Cr Ewin said the response was very positive and members were very engaged with the discussion.

After the NSW coronial inquest into six drug-related deaths on the mainland, Cr Ewin said staff would put together a brief and a letter of support to the state government, outlining the council's stance on pill testing and welcoming a trial in Hobart.

"In local government we are a lot more connected to the community, so it is adding another legitimate voice to the argument," Cr Ewin said.

Ms Courtney said she was looking forward to working with Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Jeremy Rockliff around having the right messages within the preventative health space.

Pill testing is supported by every major health body in Australia.