Party in the Paddock have long been vocal supporters of pill testing – now the Tasmanian festival is turning their words into action.
With the support of Tasmanian Greens, festival organisers have submitted a petition to parliament calling for pill testing to be trialled in Tasmania at their festival next year.
The festival, which will next take place in February 2020 with a lineup featuring Matt Corby, Hermitude, Dune Rats, Broods and more, encourages patrons to look out for one another, and educate themselves on partying safely.
“We do not condone the use of illegal substances at PITP,” comments festival organiser Jesse Higgs.
“But we cannot be ignorant to the fact that young people all around Australia are using them within our communities. Pill testing is not a silver bullet, but it’s a proven and positive way to help prevent this kind of tragedy.
“The more education that we can bring to this health issue at our festival, the better.”
Pill testing has been formally trialled by Pill Testing Australia at Groovin’ the Moo in the ACT. Supported by the ACT government, festival organisers and police and health services, they demonstrated reductions in harm and drug use, as well as providing health advice to patrons.
“A successful pill testing model is ready to be implemented in Tasmania,” added the Tasmanian Greens.
“The Hodgman Government must act on the Coroner’s recommendation, and support Party in the Paddock to provide pill testing at their festival this summer.”
Party in the Paddock 2020 runs from Thursday, 6th February to Saturday, 8th February in White Hills, Tasmania. Head here for all the details.
