One of the saddest meetings I've had in my 10 years as an MP was with parents who lost their adult children at music festivals through the use of illegal drugs.

What makes this even sadder is the knowledge there are health measures we can take as a state to prevent young people loosing their lives to drug-use. 

In 2023 the Queensland Government introduced pill-testing at music festivals and later in 2024 expanded this program to clinics in Brisbane and the Gold Coast near nightlife precincts. 

Against all good advice from stakeholders like the Australian Medical Society of Qld Branch, the Youth Advocacy Centre, Alcohol and Drug Foundation and more, the LNP Government ended this program and shut-down clinics such as CheQPoint in Bowen Hills.  

Research suggests that when available, pill testing:

• gives health professionals the opportunity warn young people about drug-use and divert them away from dangerous drug use
• reduces deaths from overdose and ingestion of dangerous substances
• does not increase the use-of illegal drugs, and importantly
• is used by young people

To keep kids safe Queenslanders, we need a health-informed program run by health professionals who can have honest and informed conversations with young people about what is in the drugs they may take and what it can do to them. 

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