Pressure is mounting on the state Labor Opposition to declare a clearer position on the issue of pill testing, following the release last week of a New South Wales coroner's recommendations.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In the wake of an inquest into six drug-related deaths at music festivals, NSW Deputy State Coroner Harriet Grahame recommended that pill testing be introduced in the mainland state, and highlighted issues around the use of drug detection dogs and strip searches at festivals.
It's understood the Tasmanian government will review the recommendations.
IN OTHER NEWS:
But government frontbencher Michael Ferguson said on Friday that the government held to the view that there was "no level of taking drugs that [is] safe".
NSW Labor leader Jodi McKay publicly backed a pill testing trial after the coroner's recommendations were published.
And now Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council Tasmania chief executive Alison Lai is urging Tasmanian Labor to state a similarly strong position on the issue.
"It's in [Labor's] policy platform that they want public access to drug testing services," Ms Lai said.
"We would absolutely call upon Labor to come forward and stand strong on their position on this.
"Because we cannot go into the next festival season ... anywhere across the country without doing anything to make that festival environment safer."
But Deputy Opposition Leader Michelle O'Byrne said any potential mechanism to enable pill testing at Tasmanian music festivals had to be assessed by the government.
"Unless the government is backing a regime around pill testing or even a trial around pill testing, it simply will not work," she said.
RELATED:
"This can't be about Labor's position.
"It has to be about what the government intends to do."
A Labor spokesperson said the party was committed to harm reduction and "a health approach to drug use" and that Labor would continue to monitor trials and research related to pill testing.
Tasmanian Greens health spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff noted that Labor had voted down proposals for pill testing trials in both the House of Assembly and the Legislative Council.
"The NSW Labor leader's decision to back a pill testing trial is the right one," Dr Woodruff said. "Tasmanians will be looking to [Opposition Leader] Rebecca White's Labor with a mind to this summer's festival season.
"Where does Tasmanian Labor stand?
"Tasmanian Labor must follow the findings of the coronial inquest and the lead of their NSW colleagues."
Rob Inglis
Rob Inglis is a reporter with The Examiner, covering state and federal politics. He is based in Hobart.
Rob Inglis is a reporter with The Examiner, covering state and federal politics. He is based in Hobart.
