The pill testing debate has continued to stir debate in Wagga after NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian refused to attend a demonstration of the technology in Sydney.
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The deaths of five young people in four months at NSW music events has sparked calls for the government to allow illicit drugs to be tested for impurities.
However, the concept has been rejected by NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller and preliminary inquests have suggested at least one of the drug deaths was caused by an overdose rather than impurities.
Wagga Headspace drug and alcohol clinician Rosario Vanegas said that education and prevention was a big focus but it was common for young people in Wagga to take drugs like MDMA, the active ingredient of ‘ecstasy’.
“We provide information about the consequences that can com from different substances, particularly the interaction of drugs and mental health,” she said.
“At festivals, the likelihood of MDMA consumption can be quite high despite the information people have been given. Pill testing could be a really beneficial avenue to take in terms of harm reduction.”
Wagga state election Nationals candidate Mackenna Powell told The Daily Advertiser that she backed education as a prevention strategy.
“I am listening to the people in our electorate and I am open to evidence, that demonstrate how we can save lives,” she said.
“Drugs are an issue in our society everyday, not just at music festivals and we must continue to educate all of our community members about the use of drugs and alcohol, and the consequences of such.
“It is my understanding that many drug related deaths are the result of the victim's personal reaction to a pure drug, and so I believe education is the key.”
Wagga MP Joe McGirr has previously said he would vote for a trial in parliament, depending on the details of the legislation.
Labor candidate Dan Hayes has supported pill testing as a option to debate at a drug summit.
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate Seb McDonagh said he his heart was drawn to supporting pill testing but he worried about giving approval to drug taking.
“I would support a limited trial but it needs to be backed up with decent education,” he said.
“These drugs are not made in the cleanest environments. They are playing Russian roulette with their lives.”
Australian Conservatives candidate Colin Taggart said pill testing would not provide a ‘silver bullet’ for drug issues.
“It’s not the solution to a complex problem. Deaths have been caused by taking multiple pills and mixing them with alcohol and other circumstances,” he said.
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