Australians can now check their drugs for risky substances as the Victorian Government introduces the state’s first-ever pill testing service at the Beyond the Valley festival.
The four-day music festival, which kicked off on Saturday in Barunah Plains, southwest of Melbourne, is taking part in drug testing trials after the state government passed the Pill Testing Bill in October.
On-site testing at Beyond the Valley can screen up to 200 drugs per day – in pill and powder form – allowing festival goers to find out if their drugs, such as MDMA, are legitimate.
Prime Minister Jacinta Allan previously said the procedure – which is confidential, anonymous and takes about 15 minutes – will “save lives”.
But Victoria Police won’t be turning a blind eye to drugs at the event; their activities, including drug sniffer dogs, will continue as normal.
The Pill Testing Bill was passed after a spike in drug overdoses at festivals in early 2024.
“The evidence shows that pill testing does not encourage people to use drugs,” Victoria’s Department of Health said.
‘It allows people to see what’s really in their substances and make informed, safer decisions.
On-site testing at Beyond the Valley (pictured) can screen up to 200 medications per day – in pill and powder form – allowing festival goers to find out if their medications are legitimate
Sniffer dogs will be featured at Sydney’s Field Day festival in 2022
“It’s not about promoting drug use; it’s about ensuring that people who are already taking risks can do so as safely as possible.’
A study of festivals in Britain found that the number of on-site medical incidents due to drug use was significantly lower at festivals that offered pill testing services.
And a review by the Australian Capital Territory’s drug testing agency, CanTEST, found that only 53 percent of substances tested matched the expected drug.
Nine other festivals will also be included in the 18-month trial, with the service potentially becoming a mainstay of Victorian festivals.
This year’s Beyond the Valley line-up is led by Australian DJ Fisher.
The 37-year-old dance guru joins American hip-hop drill queen Ice Spice at the top of the bill, who will share the stage with famed British pop veterans Sugababes.
The girl group, formed in 1998, is expected to wow fans with their classic hits like Run for Cover and Soul Sound.
The festival also features British drum ‘n’ bass artists Chase & Status, Berlin-based rave king DJ Marlon Hoffstadt, Sydney duo Royal Otis and American R&B pop star Tinashe.