Victoria’s first fixed pill testing site will open in Melbourne’s inner-north in August.
It follows Government-approved trials at five festivals over the summer, which found 91% of people who had pills tested were aged between 18 and 30.
The new site will initially open for 12 months in Fitzroy, 400 metres away from a police station.
The State Government said it chose the location because it is close to Melbourne’s busy nightlife.
Pill testing
Pill testing is a service where health experts examine a sample of a drug bought for recreational use.
The sample is tested for its strength and content, identifying any harmful or unexpected ingredients.
A professional can then share the results and provide advice to the person who requested the test.
In Australia, pill testing services are free and confidential.
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Victoria
Last year, Victoria followed the ACT and Queensland in legalising pill testing trials.
Five festivals hosted pop-up drug checking facilities over the summer, including Hardmission, where nine people were hospitalised for overdoses last year.
The Government said 1,400 samples were tested at the trial. Nearly two-thirds of people who used the service said it was the first time they had discussed their drug use with a health expert.
New centre
Fitzroy has been chosen as the location for a fixed pill testing centre, initially contracted for a year.
The centre will open Thursday to Saturday starting in August.
The centre’s location on Brunswick Street is 400 metres from the local police station.
In an interview with TDA last year, Premier Jacinta Allan said police still have the power to arrest anyone in possession of illegal drugs.
