- More than 600 people have used Queensland's pill-testing services to test than 840 potentially harmful drug samples since March 2024.
- New data reveals that many people who have used pill-testing services are doing so for the first time.
- Service users are reporting positive changes in behaviour, such as taking smaller doses, disposing of additional samples, and informing others about their results.
As Queensland prepares for the annual Schoolies celebrations, plans are underway to ensure pill-testing services are readily available for school leavers attending the Gold Coast Safer Schoolies response.
New data release today shows the services are proving to be effective with more than 600 people attending and more than 830 potentially harmful drug samples tested.
At the Brisbane and Gold Coast fixed-sites, 219 people accessed the service with a total of 392 samples checked. Additionally, 409 people presented to pill-testing services on the ground at festivals, with 440 samples tested. One of the most significant findings is the number of people using these services for the first time.
Half of those who used the fixed-site services reported that it was their first discussion about substance use with a health professional, demonstrating the unique role these services play in engaging people who may not otherwise access healthcare services.
Another finding is the presence of unexpected adulterants in 10 per cent of the samples tested at fixed sites including synthetic cathinones - which produce a long-acting stimulant effect - and a range of other adulterants falsely sold as MDMA, cocaine, and ketamine.
These detections help inform the service system regarding unusual and potentially harmful substances in circulation and communicated to the broader community.
The findings show 78 per cent of fixed site service clients would alert or inform others about their results, and 23 per cent stated they would take a smaller dose than originally planned after having their substance tested.
A significant 16 per cent of users indicated a willingness to dispose of additional samples, either by requesting the service to do so or by intending to dispose of them themselves.
In total, 55 per cent of people reported that they would implement harm reduction strategies, such as seeking help if needed (23 per cent), exercising caution when mixing substances (23 per cent), or avoiding using alone (10 per cent).
These results highlight the Miles Government's commitment under the $1.9 billion Better Care Together plan to reduce the harms of alcohol and drug use.
Link to CheQPoint drug checking report.
As stated by Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:
"I want to be clear - there is no safe way to do drugs, but there are ways to reduce harm.
"That's why we're empowering Queenslanders with the information and health advice they need to make informed choices.
"We want these services to drive informed decision-making and steer people away from using drugs – and that's exactly what they're doing.
"The Miles Labor Government is proud to continue supporting harm reduction services and to have been the first state in Australia to offer this service at multi-day events.
"We know the LNP do not support these vital services and will be cut if the LNP is elected – a service that is saving lives.
"Only the Miles Labor Government will deliver the harm reduction and support services needed to engage with Queenslanders and make a real difference."
