‘The stakes are getting so much higher’: Tasmanian GPs call for drug testing services

GPs are urging the Tasmanian Government to introduce drug testing services as new dangerous synthetic drugs take a stronger hold and risk lives. 

Drug testing, commonly referred to as “pill testing”, can be done at mobile sites, such as music festivals, as well as fixed sites which are often open for extended hours. Earlier this year, the Royal Australian College of GPs threw our support behind NSW's first drug testing trial, and strongly backed the Victorian Government heeding our calls and doing the same, as well as launching a permanent fixed testing site. The ACT has led the way for many years, successfully conducting drug testing at events such as music festivals and opening a fixed testing site. 

RACGP Tasmania Chair, Dr Toby Gardner, said the emergence of new, powerful illicit drugs was putting lives at risk, including in Tasmania. 

“The stakes are getting so much higher. This is a serious health issue, and we must act now,” he asked. 

“Nitazenes, which are far stronger than fentanyl and hundreds of times more potent than heroin, are being detected nationwide and already taking lives. This lethal synthetic opioid is being detected in many substances including counterfeit pain medications, opioids, and even in vapes.  

“Consider too that every year many new and dangerous drugs arrive on our shores. We’re playing a game of roulette, because people simply don’t know what they’re taking. In recent times too, Hobart has topped the list nationwide with the highest consumption of opioids like oxycodone and fentanyl, and nitazenes are finding their way into these substances. 

“It’s time for Tasmania to finally act. In my experience attending music festivals over many years, I’ve witnessed the negative and unintended consequences of festivalgoers taking substances without knowing what they’re actually ingesting. In one case, I helped a patient experiencing a significant seizure due to taking numerous illicit substances featuring largely unknown substances.  

“I know too from what I’ve seen that people at these events are keen to take advantage of drug testing. The 2024 Illicit Drugs Reporting System Interviews report found that one fifth of participant respondents reported that they or someone they knew had tested the content or purity of an illicit substance. They’re predominantly using testing strips, such as BTNX fentanyl strips, but a far better option is getting their substances reliably tested by trained professionals in a safe setting.” 

RACGP Tasmania Deputy Chair, Dr Tim Jones, backed the calls. 

“Harm minimisation measures like drug testing just make sense. It’s a tragedy that many of those who succumb to overdoses at music festivals are young people with their whole lives ahead of them,” he said. 

“Without drug testing, deaths will continue to occur. People in Tasmania, and across Australia, do use illicit drugs and there’s no point taking a hardline approach and acting like this doesn’t happen. I urge the Government to act without delay.” 

The College’s alcohol and other drug spokesperson, Dr Marguerite Tracy, said that drug testing services would make a tremendous difference. 

“Pill testing services save lives, we need action in Tasmania,” she said. 

“We see from other jurisdictions that it’s working. In Victoria, 11% of the 1400 samples tested at music festival testing sites revealed that the drug was not what people expected it to be. These services also perform a vital function in allowing people to have a conversation with trained health officers about their substance use. We know that in Victoria, 65% of those who used the site said that it was their first conversation with a health professional about drug and alcohol safety, and 30% of them said that they would adjust their substance use behaviours. 

“A law and order-first, ‘War on Drugs’ approach is not the answer. Drug testing isn’t about condoning illicit drug use; it’s a common sense measure proven around the world to save lives. Every life matters, and drug overdoses don’t happen to other people – it could be your friend, child, loved one, or family member. Surely, we should do all we can to keep them safe.” 

~ENDS 

RACGP spokespeople are available for interviews: Media advisor John Ronan - 03 8699 0992 / [email protected].