Pill testing approved for Schoolies party
Teenage party people will be able to pop pills with impunity after the State Government agreed to provide a free pill testing service at Schoolies this year.
The future of the pill testing service, which had been approved and funded by the former Labor State government, had been jeopardy since the Queensland election.
The David Crissafulli-led LNP Government had suggested it would scrap the plan but it appears it has now had a change of heart.
Health Minister Tim Nicholls's office said the program would go ahead because the $80,000 contract for the pill testing program had already been signed by the previous Labor government.
As a result, the pill testing service will proceed this year but there is no guarantee that the State Government will back a similar scheme in 2025.
The Gold Coast is home to Australia's largest schoolies celebrations, with more than 20,000 school leavers visiting the city every November.
AMA Queensland President Dr Nick Yim told 4BC Radio that he was pleased the pill testing program would go ahead this year.
“This is a sign that the current government is keen to seek expert advice on issues, which is really positive," said Dr Yim.
Schoolies has been a part of the Gold Coast calendar since the 1970s and it annually attracts school leavers from throughout the country for a party that lasts weeks.
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