Pill testing saving lives

THE State Government has reported its fixed site pill testing service is reducing harm and saving lives, with cocaine and ketamine among the most common substances presented at Ballarat’s Spilt Milk Festival last month.

In recent days the State highlighted new data backing claims that its fixed site pill testing service has “been vital over summer”.

“No drug is truly ever safe, but the evidence is clear, pill testing saves lives and reduces harm,” deputy Premier Ben Carroll said.

“Over summer we extended service hours so more Victorians can access the critical health advice they need.”

During December, the service had tested more than 600 substances in total, including MDMA, ketamine and cocaine, with about 12 per cent of samples containing an unexpected psychoactive substance.

At Ballarat’s Spilt Milk Festival last month staff tested 80 samples and held 144 harm reduction conversations, with MDMA, cocaine and ketamine among the most common substances that were presented at the event.

Of the 80 samples tested at Spilt Milk, 11 were found to contain an unexpected psychoactive substance, and for 50 percent of those who engaged in harm reduction conversations at the event it was their first conversation with a health professional about drug use.

Respondents at Spilt Milk ranged from 18 to 50 years of age with over 67 per cent of respondents aged 25 years or younger.

Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt said the fixed site pill testing service was saving lives.

“When you give people the opportunity to make informed, evidence-based decisions they make safer choices,” she said.

The State said evidence shows pill testing works as people often consume less or get rid of contaminated drugs based on the results and advice they get from pill testing services.

The service will be returning to various festivals and large events over the remaining summer period including Dangerous Goods 6XXL (24 January), the Pride Street Party (8 February) and Pitch Music and Arts Festival (6-10 March).