Police will maintain a highly visible presence, including the use of sniffer dogs, at the Yours and Owls music festival in Wollongong, which is set to host a pill testing site as part of a year-long government-run pilot. This marks the first time a drug checking service will be offered to festival-goers in NSW. The event, headlined by US rapper Denzel Curry and UK band The Kooks, will take place over the weekend and is one of 12 festivals included in the pilot program. However, concerns have been raised about the continued use of sniffer dogs despite their known effects on individuals’ tendency to take risks.
The decision to use sniffer dogs has sparked debate, with Victoria police abandoning the practice at their first music festival to trial pill testing. Greens MP Cate Faehrmann expressed safety concerns about high-visibility policing, suggesting it does not encourage safer use of drugs. The issue of sniffer dogs has gained attention following the death of Alexandra Ross-King in 2019, who consumed three MDMA capsules and multiple alcoholic drinks after becoming nervous about being caught by sniffer dogs.
Despite the presence of sniffer dogs, the safety of festival-goers remains the top priority. Police plan to target antisocial behavior and alcohol-fueled violence, emphasizing that prohibited drugs are both illegal and potentially life-threatening, especially when combined with alcohol. The drug checking service, located near the festival’s medical tents, will be staffed by non-government peer workers who will provide information on the health and safety risks associated with illicit drugs. Amnesty bins will also be available, and up to six patrons can have their drugs checked at a time, with analysis taking about 10 minutes. The outcomes of the tests could lead to further education or warnings about dangerous substances. The $1m trial is being overseen by health, police, and liquor regulators.
Pill testing is already available in at least 28 countries, according to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation. However, Queensland’s new conservative government has announced plans to shut down community drug checking services in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/01/first-pill-testing-trial-nsw-yours-and-owls-music-festival-wollongong
