NSW Launches First Government-Led Pill Testing Trial at Music Festival

The trial aims to reduce drug-related harm, but concerns grow over the presence of sniffer dogs near the testing site.

The Yours and Owls Festival in Wollongong is hosting New South Wales' first government-led pill testing trial, part of a year-long, $1 million pilot program across 12 festivals.
Festival attendees can have their drugs analyzed for harmful substances in a discreet medical tent, with results provided in about 10 minutes and optional counseling available.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park acknowledged contradictions in drug policy, as sniffer dogs and high-visibility policing remain present outside the testing area, raising concerns about increased risk-taking behavior.
Advocates, including Greens MP Cate Faehrmann and Jennie Ross-King, whose daughter died from a drug-related overdose in 2019, stress the importance of harm reduction measures like pill testing to save lives.
Critics highlight research showing that the presence of sniffer dogs can lead to panic ingestion of drugs, increasing the risk of overdose and adverse health outcomes.