Pro Con · Can be seen to have good results like Netherlands-based Drug Information and Monitoring System. · See reports of Medically Supervised Injecting Centre in Kings Cross · Use of amnesty bins - Ms Berejiklian said the decision to introduce the bins was made in response to Deputy State Coroner Harriet Grahame's report on reducing drug-related harm following an inquiry into the deaths of six young people at NSW music festivals. https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/police- will-leave-you-alone-amnesty-bins-for-drugs-at- nsw-music-festivals-20191211-p53ivt.html · As many as 13 per cent of all emergency department admissions at St Vincent's were for drug- and alcohol-related problems, Dr Aguirrebarrena said. Could be overturned Pill testing https://www.smh.com.au/topic/pill-testing-1ml1 https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/frontline-doctors-urge-premier-to-trial-pill-testing-end-strip- searches-for-drugs-20191127-p53eny.html https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/nsw-government-rejects-pill-testing-more-injecting-rooms- 20200227-p544vx.html https://moodle.uowplatform.edu.au/pluginfile.php/2457236/mod_resource/content/2/Redacted %20findings%20in%20the%20joint%20inquest%20into%20deaths%20arising%20at%20music %20festivals%20including%20annexures%20-%208%20November%202019.pdf https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlgDfJ5Qr8I&feature=youtu.be
Dr Harrod told the inquesttf "It's very important to remember that people use drugs because the experiences that result are very often and reliably enjoyable and that we need to consider the people's experience when considering harm reduction and education responses Some of the reasons given for MDMft use were for fun (87%)tf to enhance the music (80%)tf to increase energy (71%) and to enhance social interaction (60%). In-depth interviews revealed a strong preference for the effects of ecstasy over alcoholtf particularly in festival settings where the drug was perceived as better suited (in terms of psychoactive effects and practicalities/ conveniencestf including avoiding lining up for drinks/toilets). Even if a person hasn't taken a drug, if they are in possession of it, they can be charged. Section 10 of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act pertains to the POSSESSION of prohibited drugs. Possession doesn't even mean that the drugs are on a person. If a person is in control or custody, for example, if the drugs are in the person's car, they could still be charged with possession. Even momentary possession is a chargeable offence. ftn overview of NSW drug offences and how these laws apply to MDMft or ecstasy. present a broad outline of the key drug offences in NSW and some of the statutory doctrines which assist in the prosecution of drug offences ft critical examination of some of the major policy issues associated with the introduction of pill- testing as a harm minimisation strategytf as well as an assessment of the potential benefits and risks associated with its implementation. ft conclusiontf including a recommendation about whether pill-testing should be implemented in NSW as a harm minimisation strategy andtf if sotf how it fits with current drug law and policy in NSW Report for the NSW Attorney General's Department This report is aimed in providing a greater outlook on the issue of pill testing and whether or not it would play a pivotal role in decreasing, limiting and hopefully reach the main goal of eradicating deaths by the use of illegal substances such as MDMA and ecstasy, which are more frequently seen being used in festivals causing clusters of fatalities. This report will also provide additional commentary on this issue of pill testing and whether the Attorney General's office should look into supporting legislation to