Positive steps on drug testing trial in the ACT is good news

The ACT has long considered itself ahead of other states and territories on human rights issues and this is another example of a government willing to listen to its community.

It puts the ACT at the forefront of the debate about the use of illicit drugs at music events and festivals and it would be an Australian first if a pill testing trial went ahead.

While the ACT government has never ruled out holding a pill testing trial it has recently rejected a proposal by Harm Reduction Australia for such an event at next week's Groovin The Moo festival.

It cited a lack of preparation for this decision, which has been soundly rejected by those who were supporting the trial.

This included ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury, who had petitioned the government to allow drug-testing at the event next weekend.

ACT health minister Meegan Fitzharris said on Friday that the government would not be rushed into making a decision before the Spilt Milk festival in December and would need to consider a "range of regulatory, legislative and political issues".

Certainly all eyes would be on the territory if a trial was to go ahead and it makes sense for the government to be thorough in its consideration.

A paper released by the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Association ACT about overseas trials shows evidence that pill trials would be a positive step forward for the health and safety of those who consume illicit drugs in Australia.

It showed that two thirds of people said they would not take a drug if the test came back with a "bad result".

While there are moral sensitivities around the acceptance of illegal drug consumption it must be argued that the benefits of reducing harm and saving lives must trump them.

Information about the dangers of consuming such drugs and support for breaking the habit of using them would also form part of a successful strategy.