Victoria could see pill testing as early as 2020 if a new bill proposed by The Greens is successful when introduced to Parliament.
The Victorian Greens will introduce The Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Pill Testing Pilot For Drug Harm Reduction) Bill 2019 to Parliament before the summer festival season, and it will be debated in early 2020.
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The bill will be named “Daniel’s Bill” in honour of Daniel Buccianti, who tragically died of an accidental overdose at Rainbow Serpent Festival in 2012. Since his death, Daniel’s mother Adriana Buccianti has been a strong force behind the pill testing movement.
“No parent should have to endure what I went through. But in the last 12 months, at least five other families have lost their child from drug overdoses,” Adriana said.
If successful, Daniel’s Bill will implement a two year trial of pill testing services, with a mobile station for use at music festivals and a permanent location for “more detailed analysis”, according to The Guardian. The pill testing facilities will operate on a two year lease, with the potential for another four year renewal if the trial is successful.
The tests will “measure the weight and take a small sample of the substances users are intending to take and return the remainder of the substance to the user or potential user”, the draft bill says.
The bill is being spearheaded by The Victorian Greens MP for Brunswick, Dr Tim Read, who also happens to be a drug reform expert.
“We need to change the culture of drug use in Australia, and the first step is treating drug use as a health issue,” Dr Read said. “We must acknowledge the current approach is resulting in unintended consequences and instead choose policies that have worked elsewhere. It’s time to get over the stigma and just test the pills.”
Dr Read also points out that the current prohibition approach has had lethal results for young people at music festivals who often go to dangerous lengths to avoid police. He also acknowledges that there are “over 20 years of evidence that shows pill testing reduces overdoses and protects people from the harm of illicit drug use.”
“The government’s ‘just say no’ policy is failing young people. This outdated approach keeps people in the dark about the risks of drug use. Pill testing shows we take their health and well-being seriously,” the Victorian Greens website reads.
“When Daniel died I made a commitment that I would fight for pill testing and for the legislation to be called ‘Daniel’s Bill’. I’m thankful that is now a reality and I plead with Daniel Andrews to support it so it becomes law.” Daniel Buccianti’s mum, Adriana says.
You can read more about the bill and voice your opinions here.
