Australians can now check their medications for dangerous substances as the Victorian government debuts the state’s first pill testing service at the Beyond the Valley festival.
The four-day music festival, which began 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 will be able to detect up to 200 drugs per day, in pill and powder form, helping festival-goers determine if their drugs, such as MDMA, are legitimate.
Prime Minister Jacinta Allan previously said the procedure, which is confidential, anonymous and lasts about 15 minutes, “will save lives”.
But Victoria Police will not turn a blind eye to drugs at the event – its operations, which include drug-sniffing dogs, will continue as normal.
The pill testing bill was passed after a spike in drug overdoses at festivals in early 2024.
“Evidence shows that pill testing does not encourage people to take drugs,” the Victorian Department of Health said.
‘It allows people to see what is really in their substances and make informed, safer decisions.
On-site testing at Beyond the Valley (pictured) will be able to detect up to 200 drugs per day, in pill and powder form, helping festival-goers determine if their drugs are legitimate.
Sniffer dogs seen at Field Day festival in Sydney in 2022
‘It’s not about promoting drug use; it’s about ensuring that people who are already taking risks can do so in the safest way possible.’
A study conducted at festivals in the United Kingdom found that the rate of on-site medical incidents due to drug use was significantly lower at festivals that offered pill testing services.
And an assessment by the Australian Capital Territory’s drug testing service, CanTEST, revealed that only 53 per cent of the substances tested matched the expected drug.
Nine other festivals will also be included in the 18-month trial, and the service could become a mainstay of Victorian festivals.
This year’s Beyond the Valley line-up is headlined by Australian DJ Fisher.
The 37-year-old dance guru joins American hip hop queen Ice Spice at the top of the bill, who will share the stage with famous British pop veterans Sugababes.
Formed in 1998, the girl group is expected to surprise fans with their classic hits like Run for Cover and Soul Sound.
The festival will also feature UK drum ‘n’ bass artists Chase & Status, Berlin-based rave king DJ Marlon Hoffstadt, Sydney duo Royal Otis and US R&B pop star Tinashe.