The new state government has decided to allow pill-testing to go ahead at this year’s Schoolies celebrations on the Gold Coast.
The LNP is staunchly against pill-testing and had vowed to scrap the policy upon winning the state election.
However, Premier David Crisafulli opted to seek further advice about the plan for this year’s event following pleas from doctors.
Health Minister Tim Nicholls has now confirmed pill-testing will go ahead after conceding it was too late to scrap it given Schoolies is only a couple of weeks away.
“Our position remains that there is no safe way to take drugs and pill testing sends the wrong message,” a spokesperson for the Minister said.
“After taking advice so close to the event, the only short-term option is for the Department of Health to honour the contract for this year’s event.”
Doctors have welcomed the decision, arguing it will improve the safety of Schoolies.
The Queensland Medical Association remains hopeful the policy will remain in place permanently.
