NSW commits $4.3 million to continue drug checking at selected music festivals

NSW will roll out drug checking at selected music festivals from October after a trial found the service helped cut harm and reached people who had never before used health support.

The Minns Government has committed $4.3 million to continue the program at up to 15 festivals a year.

The decision follows a 12 month trial that drew strong use from festival goers and was linked to fewer urgent drug related hospital presentations and ICU admissions than in previous years at the same events.

An independent evaluation led by the University of Sydney found the free, anonymous service gave festival attendees a chance to have a small sample of a substance tested for purity, potency and adulterants before deciding what to do next.

Over the trial, more than 1800 people used the service and about 1500 samples were tested.

The program will be run by NSW Health in partnership with NUAA and the music festival industry.

Festival attendees who choose to use the service will be able to voluntarily submit a small drug sample for on-site analysis by chemists from the NSW Health Pathology Forensic & Analytical Science Service.

Qualified peer workers from NUAA will then explain the results and provide advice to help people make informed decisions about their health.

Amnesty bins will also be available in the drug checking area for people who choose to dispose of their drugs.

NSW Health stressed illicit drugs remain illegal and that the service is not an endorsement of drug use.

Instead, it is designed to reduce risk by connecting people with qualified health staff and peer workers who can explain the results and offer harm reduction advice.

Health Minister Ryan Park framed the move as a practical safety measure.

“Let me be clear, no level of illicit drug use is safe and drug checking services are not a silver bullet,” Mr Park said.

“There will always be risks involved when consuming these substances, and this initiative does not endorse drug use.