As the festival season approaches, growing concern over the safety of young people at music events has resurfaced.
The rate of drug use is significantly higher at festivals than in the general population, with almost half of attendees in Victoria admitting to recent drug consumption, according to a study by Associate Professor Jennifer Schumann.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Drug Policy revealed that between 2000 and 2019, 64 festival-related deaths occurred in Australia, with drug toxicity being the most common cause of death.
This summer, new legislation will bring pill testing and harm reduction into the spotlight, offering festival-goers a chance to test substances for contaminants, with hopes that it will significantly reduce such incidents.
Victorian Greens MP Aiv Puglielli, a spokesperson for legal cannabis and drug harm reduction, has been a strong advocate for this initiative.
“Pill testing is something the community, experts, Greens, and progressives have pushed for years,” he said.
“The evidence is clear: pill testing saves lives.”
The bill, which introduces fixed and mobile pill-testing sites at festivals, represents a major milestone for harm reduction advocates.
Puglielli notes that despite over a decade of advocacy, “untested substances are circulating, often with contaminants,” which increases the risks for young people at music festivals and parties.
By providing access to professional advice and substance testing, he hopes more people can avoid these hidden dangers and make informed decisions.
The new program will include a fixed site in Melbourne and mobile testing units at up to ten festivals across Victoria.
For Puglielli, this rollout is essential, especially during the festival season, as it gives people an opportunity to check their substances before consumption.
“We’d rather give them the evidence so they can make a more informed decision,” he said.
The Greens have consistently championed harm reduction over criminalisation.
From speaking with experts and festival-goers, Puglielli said that “just saying ‘don’t do it’ hasn’t changed the behaviour.”
He highlights that while many in government advocate for a tough stance on drugs, the reality remains that drug use occurs.
“Enough is enough. We need to stop these harms from occurring,” he said.
Public support for harm reduction has grown, particularly as other jurisdictions successfully implement similar programs.
In New Zealand, the impact of drug-checking services was undeniable. KnowYourStuffNZ gained significant public and political support as data emerged.
By 2019, a research report from Te Herenga Waka (Victoria University of Wellington) found that 68 per cent of people who used a testing service either disposed of drugs they intended to consume or followed harm-reduction advice given to them by volunteers.
“The more people become familiar with this approach… the more they see it’s something we can actually do,” said Puglielli.
Lucas, a 19-year-old RMIT student, has attended several festivals, including large-scale events like Pitch Music & Arts.
He believes the new law is a positive step for safety.
“It’s going to save lives, regulate what people are taking, and will be popular among our age group,” he said.
The law also introduces naloxone vending machines, which dispense an opioid overdose medication - a crucial addition considering the rise of synthetic opioids in the market.
“Having naloxone on hand can make the distinction between life or death,” Puglielli said.
However, some still question if pill testing could lead to an increase in drug use.
Puglielli disagrees, citing evidence from other services that indicate users often make safer choices after learning about what their substance contains.
“If anything, we are encouraging people not to take drugs,” he said.
For students and young people planning to attend festivals this season, Puglielli’s advice is straightforward.
“Go in with an open mind. Be prepared to have a frank conversation with an expert,” he said.
Festival-goers are encouraged to take advantage of these new resources, make informed decisions, and prioritise safety as they enjoy the music and festival atmosphere.
Lucas agrees, noting that while substance use is a reality in the festival scene, this new service could help reduce risks and potentially change the culture.
“With festivals, the atmosphere often involves substance use,” Lucas said.
“But with pill testing, it’ll create a safer environment, and maybe even normalise the idea of checking what you’re using,” he said.
As Victoria moves forward with this harm reduction approach, advocates like Puglielli hope that this will be just one step toward a more compassionate and effective drug policy.
For now, young people will have one more tool at their disposal to ensure they make it home safely from this summer’s festival season.
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