Department of Health

Victoria paves way for pill testing trial

09/09/24
A small pill is held between gloved fingers

An amendment bill introduced to the Victorian Parliament today paves the way for Victoria’s first pill testing trial to start this summer.

Pill testing, also known as drug checking, aims to reduce harms from illicit drug use and save lives.

The Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Pill Testing) Bill 2024 establishes the legal framework for Victoria’s trial pill testing service.

The bill authorises the operation of both mobile and fixed drug-checking services and establishes a robust licensing framework to regulate the service.

The mobile service will begin during this summer’s music festival season and will attend up to 10 festivals and events throughout the 18 month trial.

A fixed site is due to open in mid-2025. It will be co-located in a health service and operate from inner Melbourne, close to nightlife and transport.

The trial pill testing service is one of Victoria’s key health-led harm reduction initiatives.

Successful pill testing services already operate in the Australian Capital Territory and Queensland.

Read more about Victoria's pill testing trial.

Reviewed 10 September 2024

Health.vic

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