‘Let’s seize this opportunity, lives depend on it’: Tasmanian GPs renew calls for drug testing services

GPs are once again urging the Tasmanian Government to introduce drug testing services ahead of the peak music festival season as new dangerous synthetic opioids risk lives. 

It comes following Pill Testing Australia presenting a plan to the Government to host drug checking services, commonly known as “pill testing”, at upcoming events including a major music festival. Earlier this year, the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) threw its support behind New South Wales’ 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, conducting drug testing at events such as music festivals as well as a fixed testing site. 

RACGP Tasmania Chair Dr Toby Gardner said the time to act is now. 

“Pill Testing Australia have been leading Australian drug checking services since 2017. They have a plan for our state, and we know that drug testing services save lives, so the only thing lacking is the political will to make this happen,” he said. 

“This organisation has stepped up, secured insurance, and offered their lifesaving equipment and personnel for a drug testing trial. So, they’re ready to go, and a major music festival event has agreed to host the trial. 

“Let’s seize this opportunity, lives depend on it.  

“This includes young people at music festivals with their whole lives ahead of them. I’ve attended many such events over the years and seen the devastating results. On one occasion, I cared for a patient experiencing a very serious seizure after taking drugs containing unknown substances. 

“Many people in the community realise how vital this is, a recent poll conducted by Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council Tasmania found that almost two thirds of Tasmanians back drug testing services. We remain flat-footed as other governments act decisively to save lives through fixed and mobile drug testing services. Every day we delay action is another life potentially lost to overdose, and that’s unacceptable.” 

RACGP alcohol and other drug spokesperson, Dr Marguerite Tracy, backed Dr Gardner’s calls. 

“We know that these services work, they save lives,” she said.  

“In Victoria, 11% of the 1400 samples tested at testing sites revealed that the drug being tested was not what people expected it to be – they just don’t know what they’re taking.  

“It’s a harrowing reality that new synthetic opioids called nitazenes, which are far stronger than fentanyl and hundreds of times more potent than heroin, are being detected across Australia, including in Tasmania. Every year that goes by sees many new and dangerous drugs arrive on our shores and take lives.

"Drug testing services are not about condoning illicit drug use, it’s a sensible harm minimisation measure proven in many places around the world to save lives.” 

RACGP Tasmania Deputy Chair Dr Tim Jones said drug testing sites can help people change their understanding of illicit drugs. 

“These sites offer a unique opportunity for people to have a calm and non-judgmental conversation with trained health professionals about their substance use,” he said.  

“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. This can be a decisive intervention helping people to change their illicit drug use patterns.   

“Without a drug testing trial, needless deaths will continue to occur. Every life matters, and a ‘War on Drugs’ approach gets us nowhere.

"Alcohol and other drug use impacts almost every family and friendship circle, so I ask all politicians to consider – how can you declare a war on your own friends and family?” 

~ENDS 

RACGP spokespeople are available for interviews: 03 8699 0992 / [email protected].