Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens Leader
On behalf of the Tasmanian Greens, I congratulate Hobart City Council for their leadership in voting to support pill testing. It’s sound, widely accepted health policy that will save young lives.
Hobart City Council’s vote in support of pill testing puts new Health Minister, Sarah Courtney, in the spotlight.
Minister Courtney has the opportunity to make a courageous, life-saving decision and support pill testing in Tasmania.
Pill testing saves lives. It is supported by experts within the drug and alcohol sector, former police commissioners, health professionals including the AMA and the Royal College of GPs, festival and event organisers and now Hobart City Council.
In Ms Courtney’s own backyard, the organisers of Party in the Paddock are calling for a pill testing trial. We hope the new Health Minister will take on board the evidence and act to save young lives.
The Minister needs to set aside dangerous political ideology and listen to the calls of event organisers and those within the health sector.
Ms Courtney can act to save lives by supporting a safe, statewide pill testing framework for festivals.
Young Tasmanians and the people who love them need the new Health Minister to show courage.