The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) in Tasmania is urging the state government to introduce drug testing services, commonly known as “pill testing,” to combat the rising threat of new and dangerous synthetic drugs, particularly potent opioids.
This call to action follows the successful implementation of similar services in other Australian states, including the ACT, New South Wales, and Victoria.
Dr Toby Gardner, Chair of RACGP Tasmania, highlighted the severe risks posed by substances like nitazenes, a synthetic opioid hundreds of times more potent than heroin, which has been detected nationwide and is now infiltrating the drug supply in Tasmania.
This lethal synthetic opioid is being detected in many substances including counterfeit pain medications, opioids, and even in vapes.
“The stakes are getting so much higher. This is a serious health issue, and we must act now,” he said.
According to Gardner, Hobart has already seen high consumption of opioids like oxycodone and fentanyl, making it particularly vulnerable. He stressed that without testing, people are “playing a game of roulette,” unknowingly ingesting lethal substances.
“It’s time for Tasmania to finally act. In my experience attending music festivals over many years, I’ve witnessed the negative and unintended consequences of festival goers taking substances without knowing what they’re actually ingesting. In one case, I helped a patient experiencing a significant seizure due to taking numerous illicit substances featuring largely unknown substances.
“I know too from what I’ve seen that people at these events are keen to take advantage of drug testing. The 2024 Illicit Drugs Reporting System Interviews report found that one fifth of participant respondents reported that they or someone they knew had tested the content or purity of an illicit substance. They’re predominantly using testing strips, such as BTNX fentanyl strips, but a far better option is getting their substances reliably tested by trained professionals in a safe setting.”
The RACGP’s advocacy is rooted in a harm minimisation approach rather than a punitive war on drugs stance.
Dr Marguerite Tracy, the College’s spokesperson for alcohol and other drugs, stated that drug testing saves lives by providing a crucial safety net. She pointed to a recent Victorian trial where 11% of samples were not what users expected, and 65% of those who used the service had their first conversation with a health professional about drug safety. This shows that testing not only identifies dangerous substances but also serves as a vital touchpoint for health intervention.
“A law and order-first, ‘War on Drugs’ approach is not the answer. Drug testing isn’t about condoning illicit drug use; it’s a common sense measure proven around the world to save lives.
“Every life matters, and drug overdoses don’t happen to other people – it could be your friend, child, loved one, or family member. Surely, we should do all we can to keep them safe.”
Dr Tim Jones, Deputy Chair of RACGP Tasmania, echoed these sentiments, arguing that a hardline approach is ineffective and that deaths will continue to occur without these measures.
The RACGP asserts that drug testing is a common-sense measure that has been proven to work internationally and is a critical step in protecting the public, particularly young people, from preventable overdoses.
Media release – Helen Burnet MP, Greens Preventative Health Spokesperson, 5 September 2025
Pill Testing Can Save Tasmanian Lives
The Greens welcome the calls by RACGP President Dr Toby Gardner to introduce pill testing in Tasmania. We know that with the increased and ongoing use of illicit substances, the time is now to introduce testing.
The Greens have called for pill testing for many years, and believe that this new, collaborative parliament offers an opportunity to break the lack of action by successive governments.
Pill testing makes people aware of the dangers associated with the uncontrolled and illegal process of drug production and often helps users choose not to take illicit substances.
In Victoria, where pill testing has been introduced, 11% of samples taken contained substances other than what was expected, resulting in the disposal of potentially deadly material.
Additionally, the Victorian experience shows that drug users had constructive conversations about the risks of their drug use with health professionals, and which ultimately informed and altered their behaviour.
Music festival season is nearly upon us, and everyone who attends – both young and older festival-goers – deserve access to services. Pill testing facilities are mobile and when applied appropriately engenders trust in patrons.
Pill testing can save lives and with some political courage, will save lives.
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