In a move to improve safety at music festivals the NSW Government has launched the state's first drug checking trial. The 12-month pilot commenced in March 2025 and will operate at selected festivals across the NSW, providing a free, confidential drug checking service for festival goers.
This new drug checking service, run in partnership with the NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA) and Forensic and Analytical Science Branch, aims to reduce drug-related harm by helping people make informed decisions about the substances they plan to take.
What is drug checking?
Drug checking (also known as pill testing) allows people to submit a small sample of a drug such as a pill, capsule, powder, or liquid, to be analysed on-site by qualified health staff. The service rapidly identifies the main components and where possible, the amount present.
After testing, participants receive information about what was found in the sample tested and advice on how to reduce risks if they choose to take the substance. Trained peer workers provide tailored guidance about the risks, confidential support, and information about support services.
Why introduce drug checking?
The trial comes in response to ongoing concerns about harm from drugs at music festivals and was strongly supported at the NSW Drug Summit 2024. Drug checking services can help people avoid dangerous substances, discard high-risk drugs, and make safer choices.
Drug checking won't make drugs safe, but it can help reduce harm by giving people information about what they’re taking and encourage safer behaviours.
Is it legal?
Yes. It is legal to use the drug checking service at participating festivals. However, it is important for festival goers to be aware that police and sniffer dogs may still be present at festival entrances and within the festival grounds..
The service is private and confidential. No personal details are linked to the samples tested, and phones, cameras, or recording devices are not allowed to be used inside the testing area to protect privacy.
What happens if a dangerous substance is found?
Drug checking does not make drugs safe and using drugs may still cause harm to a person’s health, even if the drug is checked. If a particularly harmful substance is detected during testing, this will be explained to the person who offered the sample for testing. All people using the drug checking service will have the option to dispose of the drug safely in the amnesty bin on site.
NSW Health may also issue public health warnings to alert festival-goers and the wider community. This helps prevent further harm by keeping people informed about dangerous drugs circulating in the community.
Looking out for each other
Festival organisers are welcoming the trial as part of broader safety efforts, which also include chill-out zones, free water stations, medical support, and other harm reduction services.
Festival-goers are encouraged to take steps to stay safe, including staying hydrated, looking after friends, recognising the signs of overdose, and seeking medical help early if needed. The Stay OK pages have more harm reduction information.
Drug checking is another tool to help people stay safe
When and where?
The drug checking service will operate at selected music festivals across NSW from March 2025 for an initial 12-month trial. Look out for the service near festival medical tents and care spaces.
Want more information?
The NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA) is a peer-based drug user organisation, offering strategies for harm reduction and current issues relating to drug use in Australia.
For free and confidential advice 24/7 call the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015. Counsellors are available to provide information, referrals, crisis counselling and support. Or start a Web Chat with an ADIS counsellor online Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5pm.
