Ms BURNET question to MINISTER for HEALTH, MENTAL HEALTH and WELLBEING, Ms ARCHER
Last week, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Tasmania again came out strongly in support of drug testing services. This follows other states already introducing pill testing programs where they have seen an increase in lives saved through education about the risks of drug taking, leading to deterrence.
Tasmania’s use of narcotics, strong opioids and nitazenes is increasing. Pill testing reduces harm and saves lives. It’s time to listen to the experts. Music festival season is nearly upon us and everyone who attends deserves access to services. When it comes to preventing avoidable deaths, ideological, ‘Just say no’ rhetoric has no place. Minister, this is an easy first win for you. Will your government act and provide the same protections and services other states have in order to save Tasmanian lives?
The SPEAKER – The member’s time for answering the question has expired. I remind members to stick within the minute too, you don’t have to answer the last few seconds of that question.
ANSWER
I certainly agree that education is very important in relation to this issue. Our government is working to improve health outcomes for all Tasmanians, including reducing the harms associated with drug use, both illicit drugs and pharmaceutical drugs. The Tasmanian Drug Strategy 2024-2029 takes a health-focused, strengths-based and human rights approach to reducing harms from alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. It provides a framework to encourage collaborative action and activities across agencies, organisations and the community.
We don’t plan to introduce pill testing for illicit drugs. In the past, the government has worked together with festival organisers to minimise harm from consumption of drugs and alcohol. For example, in February this year, as in past years, the government through the Department of Health collaborated with Party in the Paddock festival organisers to ensure harm minimisation strategies were in place. During previous festivals, a safe space supported by the government was well‑utilised, with festivalgoers seeking information on a range of health and wellbeing matters, including general health, mental health, and alcohol and drugs, as well as using the space for some quiet time.
Through the Department of Health, the government keeps informed of emerging substances including nitazenes and drug contamination.
