$4.3M for festival drug checking

THE NSW Government will invest $4.3M to continue drug checking services at up to 15 music festivals annually following a successful 12-month trial. An independent University of Sydney evaluation found the service reduced drug-related risks and was associated with fewer urgent hospital presentations and ICU admissions. More than 1,800 festivalgoers used the trial, with about 1,500 samples tested. NSW Health will continue providing free, anonymous testing and harm-reduction advice. The Government stressed illicit drugs remain illegal and no level of use is safe.