In an Australian festival first, pill testing will go ahead at Groovin The Moo when it kicks off its regional run in Canberra this weekend.
Debate over pill testing has raged for years after several deaths and many hospitilisations at music festivals around the country, and now Groovin The Moo will be the first of what will hopefully be many events implementing these measures. After long-winded negotiations, festival promoter Cattleyard Promotions agreed to pill testing at the Canberra event just yesterday.
Pill testing has received the support of the ACT Government as well as the University of Canberra, where the festival is being held. “The trial does not condone illicit drug use, however will provide an opportunity to encourage people who are considering using illicit drugs to modify their behaviour in ways that reduce risks of harm to their health,” ACT Minister for Health Meegan Fitzharris says.
Punters at Groovin The Moo in Canberra will see a new tent at the event, where pill testing will be run by the Safety Testing Advisory Service at Festivals and Events (STA-SAFE) consortium.
GTM brings Amine, Lady Leshurr, Duke Dumont to Australian shores, while local acts include Tkay Maidza, Baker Boy and Skegss. The festival hits Wayville, Maitland and Canberra this weekend.
