Richard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

  (i) 31 August marked International Overdose Awareness Day, commemorating all those who have died or been seriously injured due to drug overdose,

  (ii) every year, more and more young Australians tragically, and avoidably, die at music festivals after taking pills that had not been tested, and

  (iii) pill testing saves lives, by providing information to young people about the drugs they are considering taking; and

(b) calls on the Federal Government to urgently address the rising rates of harm associated with drug use by implementing and appropriately resourcing evidence-based harm reduction policies, including:

  (i) provide funding for pill testing trials during this year's summer festival season and in the community,

  (ii) working with state and territory governments to cease the use of drug sniffer dogs at festivals,

  (iii) greater access to needle and syringe programs across the country, including urgent roll-out of trials inside prisons,

  (iv) expanded access to medically supervised injecting facilities across Australia, and

  (v) promoting awareness of the life-saving opioid reversal drug, Naloxone, highlighting its availability over the counter in pharmacies.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) | Link to this | Hansard source

The issue of pill testing is largely a matter for states and territories. The Australian government support decisions not to use illicit drugs and do not support pill testing as it could imply that illicit drugs are safe. All illicit drug use contains inherent risks and even taking a known substance can result in unintended harms.

The Morrison government do, however, support the use of Naloxone, which is why we are investing $10 million in a take-home pilot program. The pilot is being developed in consultation with the New South Wales, South Australian and WA governments and key stakeholders.

Scott Ryan (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that motion No. 146, moved by Senator Di Natale, be agreed to.