News
It’s Time To Face The Music On Australia’s Flawed Drug Policy
Read more: It’s Time To Face The Music On Australia’s Flawed Drug PolicyA few changes could make a real difference. As a new year begins so does the effort continue to make Australia a safer and more humane country in how we deal with people who use drugs. Here are five changes that would make a real difference. 1. Decriminalise the personal use and possession…
NCA’s decision on pill testing betrays public trust
Read more: NCA’s decision on pill testing betrays public trustPill testing at Groovin’ the Moo was deemed a success. CREDIT:ROHAN THOMSON The National Capital Authority has blocked a proposal for pill testing at this year’s Spilt Milk festival in Canberra. It was able to do this because the festival is held on grounds that the NCA’s manages. It made this decision despite the support of…
Drug Reform series – At last, a government sanctioned pill testing program
Read more: Drug Reform series – At last, a government sanctioned pill testing programWe are finally seeing in Australia the first signs of a recognition by government of the important public health benefits of sanctioned pill testing programs. Law enforcement alone will never overcome the problems that can arise from drug use. Much like needle and syringe programs, pill testing is a real-world response which is evidence based…
The Rejection Of Drug Testing Is A Hard Pill To Swallow
Read more: The Rejection Of Drug Testing Is A Hard Pill To SwallowIt is a case of the demand for perfection stifling any progress. In their efforts to defend the ‘just say no’ approach to pill testing, government officials often highlight what they believe is a major problem. Basically, that there is the potential for a misunderstanding of the results by individuals because pill…
What is ‘drug checking’ and why do we need it in Australia?
Read more: What is ‘drug checking’ and why do we need it in Australia?This weekend saw the tragic death of a young woman after she took an unidentified tablet at the Stereosonic music festival. Drug-related deaths of this type are not uncommon in Australia, and this raises the question of whether our approach to harm minimisation needs reform. Ten years ago the Australian Medical Association passed a resolution backing research…