The senior public servant who played a pivotal role in establishing Australia’s first pill testing programs has expressed shock at the Crisafulli government’s decision to dismantle Queensland’s nascent scheme. Michael De’Ath, a former head of the ACT Health and Queensland Education departments, described the recent legislative ban as “absolutely staggering.”
Speaking publicly for the first time since the ban, De’Ath voiced his concerns in an interview, particularly highlighting the timing of the decision as the state approaches the schoolies season. “It’s particularly alarming as we head into something like schoolies,” he remarked.
The ban follows the LNP’s previous allowance of contracted pill testing services at the 2024 schoolies event on the Gold Coast. However, subsequent legal amendments have halted funding and operations, despite plans for the services to resume with philanthropic support.
Background and Rationale Behind the Ban
Government ministers have defended the ban, arguing that pill testing could be perceived as condoning illegal drug use, which they assert has no safe consumption method. This stance aligns with their broader anti-drug policy, emphasizing the dangers of illicit substances.
However, a government-commissioned review contradicted this position, revealing that the pill testing scheme successfully identified numerous dangerous additives, suggesting that it could enhance accountability among drug suppliers.
Expert Opinions and Historical Context
Michael De’Ath’s extensive experience in public service, including his role as director-general of ACT Health during the initial pill testing trials at Groovin’ the Moo festivals in 2018, lends weight to his critique. His career has spanned various sectors, including child protection and education, underscoring his commitment to youth welfare.
De’Ath expressed deep concern about the potential consequences of the ban, particularly during events like schoolies, where young people might engage in risky behaviors. “The opportunity lost to save lives or reduce harm, I find quite surprising,” he stated.
“I find that particularly disturbing in this day and age that such a comment would be made … [about] a government choosing to take action that the evidence would show reduces harm and can save lives,” De’Ath said.
Government’s Stance and Public Reaction
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie reiterated the government’s firm stance against drug use, emphasizing the need to protect young people from the dangers of illicit substances. “We will not be rolling out the welcome mat to drug dealers in Queensland,” he declared.
Despite the government’s position, the University of Queensland’s evaluation of the pill testing service highlighted its positive impact. The report found that over half of the 1,341 attendees at testing sites spoke to a health professional about their drug use for the first time, with many opting to reduce or avoid drug consumption altogether.
“Only 57 per cent of samples tested contained just the substances expected, with ‘significant numbers’ also containing ‘unexpected psychoactive substances, creating additional risks’,” the evaluation noted.
Implications and Future Considerations
De’Ath criticized the decision to ban the service in light of growing evidence supporting its efficacy as a harm-reduction strategy. He questioned the rationale behind rejecting a proven method that could potentially save lives.
The evaluation report also suggested that drug checking could deter manufacturers from including dangerous additives, a point De’Ath described as a “terrific outcome.” The authors recommended expanding resources and locations for these services, as well as investing in advanced technology.
As the debate continues, Health Minister Tim Nicholls reiterated the government’s consistent message against drug use. “There is no safe way to take drugs, and that is the very clear message that we have been consistent about all the way through,” he stated at a recent media conference.
The unfolding situation in Queensland underscores the ongoing tension between public health initiatives and political ideologies, with potential implications for drug policy across Australia.
